Grey Gardens (2009) Movie Script
1
Darling David, where have...
you been all my life?
Where have you been?
The only thing I needed was this man.
- Edie?
- What?
What'd you say, Edie?
All I needed was this man, David.
No, she was gorgeous.
Edie had everything.
She doesn't remember what she was.
Everybody looks and thinks and
feels differently as years go by.
Edie, look.
Your wedding jewels, mother darling.
Yes.
Here.
Do me up, chicken.
This might be the last time
I wear these.
Why?
Why?
Because next time, this'll be
dangling from your neck, not mine.
And these.
These will grace the ears
of Mrs J. Paul Getty.
- Mother.
- Mrs J. Paul Getty.
That has a lovely ring to it.
Or Mrs Jordan McClanahan. Now,
I hear he has his eye on you.
He's bound to propose after tonight.
You look absolutely gorgeous.
The doctor was right about
your hair growing back.
No one will notice.
He also said that it could all
fall out again at any moment...
so I've that to look
forward to, haven't I?
It'll be fine.
Now, don't be long.
- Sir.
- Hello.
Edith, you look divine.
- Where's little Edie?
- Good evening.
Isn't she ready yet?
- She needs a minute.
- Good evening.
- Been over an hour, darling.
- Ma'am.
- Well, you know Edie.
- Hello.
Always the queen of
the dramatic pause.
I suppose I could entertain
our guests with a little song...
while we wait.
I prefer they don't leave
before Edie's been presented...
but thank you, Edith.
There's our girl.
Miss Beale, they're ready for you.
Hello.
Edie?
Edie?
Come on back in.
I can't.
Edith, you'll never get
a man to propose to you...
if you don't have a debut.
And if you can't get
a man to propose to you...
- well, you just...
- You might as well be dead?
If you don't get married,
how on earth...
do you plan to take care of yourself?
You know I want to be
an actress and a dancer.
Once you married Father,
he made you give up your singing.
I won't let that happen to me.
I still sing and I have
a perfectly marvelous marriage.
When are you going to learn, Edie...
you can have your cake and
eat it too in this life.
No, you can't, mother darling.
Edie, find a man who'll
give you a long leash.
Get married.
And then you can do
whatever you want.
Come on.
How about... Mrs Howard Hughes?
Too greasy.
You're absolutely right.
Edie?
Edie? Have you fed Buster?
Yes, mother, I fed him his luncheon.
There's a horrible smell.
I can hardly stand it.
Will you shut up? It's a goddamn
beautiful day. Just shut up!
Well, look what the cat
dragged in! It's the Maysles.
- Hello, Edie.
- I was just thinking about you.
What brings you out to Grey Gardens?
Well, we'd like to do a movie
just about you and your mother.
- Yeah.
- Really? Well, what about...
the Bouvier movie? Well,
Jackie's probably too busy...
being Mrs Aristotle Onassis?
Yeah, well, your cousin, we sort of
lost interest in that and...
pulled the plug.
Al, that's terrible.
Well, you and your mother
were the best part of it...
to be perfectly honest.
Well, Mother and I are
very entertaining, that's true.
So, this movie would just
be starring me and Mother?
- No one else?
- That's the idea.
Well then, it looks like the Beales
just stole the Bouvier movie!
This is great!
This is gonna be my big chance.
My chance to relaunch my career.
Edie?
The Maysles are back to make
a movie about us, Mother darling.
You think your mother
will go along with it?
It's her house and she has in it
who she wants in it.
- You understand.
- My heart.
How perfectly flattering.
Hello, Mrs Beale!
An old woman like me. No.
I'm not much of an actress, you know.
So, boys, now... explain to me.
Exactly how would this work?
Is there a script?
I'm a very quick study.
- Are you the director then, David?
- Well, no, no script.
No director. It's
a documentary, you just...
do what you do and we just
stay in the background.
Just artists making
a film about artists.
Well, we've always been
mad about the movies.
"Gigi" with Leslie Caron.
Marvelous.
- Did you ever see that?
- Of course.
Yeah.
Well, it all sounds
terribly exciting.
And I assume we'll share
in the profits?
Well...
to be honest, the words,
"documentary" and "profit"...
don't usually end up
in the same sentence.
There's never been one about us.
I'm certain that we can...
- work something out. Yeah.
- We'll work something out.
And I'll need a clause
in my contract...
that lets me do roles
in other movies.
- Well, sure.
- Absolutely.
- I mean, that's not a problem.
- I don't think... That's... no...
Then, that cements the deal.
- They're here already!
- Oh my goodness!
Buddy! Phelan!
- Last one is in a rotten egg.
- Boys, no running in the house!
- Good morning, Mr Beale.
- Hello, Robert.
- Hello!
- Molly!
Ma'am. We didn't expect you
till later this afternoon.
It's all right, Molly, it's okay.
- Hello.
- I just couldn't wait.
Go on.
Edith?
Now, this is far too extravagant.
What you've got here is
a veritable army of...
We're in the midst of
a Depression, Edie.
I've already had to let
half my staff go...
and well, you're gonna
have to cut back as well.
It takes many hands to run
this house properly, Phelan.
You can keep Molly and Frank,
but the rest have to be dismissed.
- Well, what about Gould?
- What about him?
Well, you can't deprive the children
of their music lessons.
That would be cruel.
Fine.
Molly, Frank and Gould.
But that's it.
Now as far as Edie is concerned...
please, get her engaged
to a stable person.
Though, I'm not sure either one
of you would know stable...
if it walked through your soup.
Well, whatever do you mean?
You know exactly what I mean,
Edith. She's unpredictable.
That stunt at the Pierre
did not go unnoticed.
Phelan, please. She's high-spirited.
Well, whatever euphemism
you've got for it...
get her settled in
with a good family.
This is your job,
your sole responsibility.
What? You're leaving already?
I have to work, Edith.
Someone has to pay for
the Maidstone Club...
and all those goddamn
crab sandwiches.
And someone has to
tend to his secretary.
- Let me take that for you, sir.
- Thank you, Frank.
- Gould, you're here!
- Edith darling.
You look divine.
So do you.
Are you in voice?
I haven't practiced in ages.
- Well, that's why I'm here.
- I know.
Well then... I'm off.
Children, say goodbye to your father.
He's suddenly been
called back to the city.
- Already?
- Well, I'll see you on the weekend.
Goodbye, buddy.
- Goodbye, father.
- Bye, little man.
Goodbye, father.
- Come on.
- Can I come with you, please?
Well, it's the summer, Edie,
there's no one your age in town.
But there's a dance class
I'd like to attend.
You just find yourself a nice fellow
from the Maidstone Club...
that's all you have to
focus on this summer.
Father, but they're just so dull.
Edie.
Enough.
That's a Spanish
wall garden over there.
The Hills, they put that in.
They imported everything from Rome.
Mrs Hill, she was
a famous... horticulturist.
That was one of the famous
gardens of America.
Edie, you look fantastic.
David, you look absolutely terrific.
Honestly, you've got
like... light-blue on.
Well, Al, you're still... Mother
says you're very conservative.
This is the best thing to wear
for today, you understand?
Because I don't like women in skirts.
And the best thing
is to wear pantyhose...
or some pants under
a short skirt, I think.
Then, you have the pants
under the skirt...
and then you can pull
the stockings up over the pants...
underneath the skirt.
And you can always take off
the skirt and use it as a cape.
So, I think this is
the best costume for the day.
Okay.
I have to think
these things up. You know.
Mother wanted me to come out
in a kimono, so we had quite a fight.
Al, was that good?
You want me to do that again?
What a body, Beale.
"Smart and sleek she sits.
Ready with her playful quips.
Wondering who will come her way.
To dine her, to wine her.
Which to snare to stay?"
William Blake.
Edith Beale. Poet,
temptress, entertainer.
That was great, Cousin Edie.
It's in the Bouvier blood,
you can do it too, Jacqueline.
Mr Strong.
The children are all at the beach.
Shall we have our lesson?
Of course, darling.
Let's.
How about this one?
"We belong together. We're happy
together and life is a song"
"When we are together, we know
we are where we belong"
"We belong together
like birds of a feather"
"Together we thrive"
"Little caring whether
the rest of the world is alive"
- "All alone I'm only a half"
- Aren't they just divine?
- Divine.
- "Like a joke"
"Without any laughs"
"But when we're together, we're
happy together and life is a song"
"When we are together, we know
we are where we belong"
Brava.?
Should I tell them about Gould?
Gould was Mother's accompanist.
He was a boogie-woogie composer
with the most terrific style.
He was the most brilliant man
I ever met.
That's including Mr Beale
and Mr Bouvier.
Completely brilliant.
I came down here
to live in this house...
because I did all my singing here.
I was so happy.
I was happier...
singing...
than anything I've ever done
since I was born.
I liked it better...
than anything I ever did.
"I won't dance, don't ask me"
"I won't dance, don't ask me"
- "I won't dance, Madame, with you"
- Champagne? Wine?
"My heart won't let my feet
do things they should do"
"You know what? You're lovely"
"And so what? I'm lovely"
"But, oh, what you do to me"
"I'm like an ocean wave
that's bumped on the shore"
"I feel so absolutely
stumped the floor"
"I won't dance, why should I"
"I won't dance, how could I"
"I won't dance, merci?beaucoup"
"I know that music leads
the way to romance"
"So, if I hold you in my arms"
- "I won't dance"
- Here.
"I won't dance"
"I won't dance"
East Hampton.
- Curly hair.
- Mine too. I'm glad I...
"The chimney's smoking"
"The roof is leaking in"
"But I don't seem to care"
"There ain't no reason"
"Why I should love that man"
"It must be something"
"That the angels done planned"
"Fish got to swim
and birds got to fly"
- "I got to love one man"
- Here.
"Till I die"
"Can't help loving that man of mine"
Come on, Edie, the soft-shoe!
How can you resist?
Mother!
"When he goes away"
"That's a rainy day"
"But when he comes back,
that day is fine"
"The sun will shine"
"We can come home as late as can be"
"Home without him"
- "Ain't no Home to me"
- Mr Beale!
"Can't help loving"
- "That man of mine"
- Edith.
Mr Beale.
What are you doing here?
It's only Thursday.
- It's Friday, Edith.
- Well.
Get everyone out of here.
Including him.
Goddamn Ganymede.
I'm right here, Phelan,
I can hear you.
All right, everyone, time to go home.
Aurevoir.
There's more glasses
out in the solarium.
And one of you...
- Go.
- Come on, Edie.
- Go.
- Used to be charming, Edith.
Now, it's just sad.
And what's that, Phelan?
You're the mother of
my children, not a showgirl.
And mothers can't sing?
You know what I mean.
Edie.
Enough is enough.
I'm making a change. I'm putting
the boys in boarding school...
and I'm bringing Little Edie
back to the city...
before you ruin her altogether.
Ruin her.
Why, because she was
dancing at a party?
The priest said
she needs a strong hand.
And I'm sick and tired of the same
conversation over and over again.
And where are you in all this,
Mr Father of My Children?
- I don't need this.
- Well, neither do I.
Then, you'll live your life...
and I'll live mine.
With pleasure.
- "La, da, di, da, da, da, da"
- Mother?
- "Da, da"
- Mother, please.
Aren't you going to say goodbye?
Why?
Where are you going?
I'm going to New York, mother.
"Give my regards to Broadway"
Why, that's just crazy.
What are you going to do in New York?
I'm going to be
an actress and a dancer.
"Life upon the wicked stage
ain't ever what a girl supposes"
And of course your father is going
to make all the introductions.
Is that it? Set you up?
With all his show-business
connections at the law firm?
I worry about you, babe.
Stay here.
I'm strong. You've always said that
I was a staunch character, remember?
- Stop that!
- Cut it out!
I want your blessing, Mother, please.
Edith.
Edie.
There's nothing there
that you can't get here.
You can travel the whole world and...
you'll still never find anything
as beautiful as right here.
Besides...
Gould doesn't know how to soft-shoe.
Who am I gonna dance with?
Goodbye, Mother.
Edie?
Edie?
She never answers me, that woman.
I suppose I won't get out of here
until she dies or I die.
- Who is "she", the cat?
- I don't know when...
I'm gonna get out of here.
Why do you want to get out?
Because I like freedom.
Well, you can't get it, darling.
You're being... supported.
And you can't get freedom
when you're being supported.
I thought you always said
you can't get freedom...
when you're not being
supported, remember?
It's awful both ways, I guess.
I'd just like a couple of days
on the beach, that's all.
Well, everything is good
you didn't do.
At the time, you didn't want it.
Everybody looks and thinks
and feels differently...
as years go by.
It's very difficult to keep
the line between the past...
and the present.
Awfully difficult.
Hello, Father. Sorry I'm late.
- Thank you.
- I've... ordered for you.
So?
- Yes?
- Isn't this the part...
where you ask me
if I've met someone new?
Well, have you?
I meet new people all the time.
That's not what I meant
and you know it.
I can't afford to support you
indefinitely, Edie.
Who do you think
pays for women like you?
- Men like me.
- Men like me.
Now, between your room
at The Barbizon...
and your allowance and
your mother's allowance.
Your new fake wife's allowance?
Don't be insolent.
Do you want this check or not?
Now, that position is
still open at the law firm.
You're a smart girl, Edie.
And you're... more than
capable of secretarial work.
I don't know why you can't
hold one of these jobs.
Just promise me...
you'll try to get back on course.
Yes, father.
Well, at least you've
given up that...
foolish notion of performing
your mother infected you with.
Yes, absolutely.
This way.
Who's that guy at the third table?
The name's Julius Kruge.
The Secretary of the Interior?
No idea, but watch out, he's married.
Heavens! It's Max Gordon.
Who's that?
You don't know who Max Gordon is?
He's a famous producer.
Max Gordon discovered
Judy Holliday...
and is generally considered
the King of Broadway.
It is a beautiful ocean
today, isn't it?
What color would you say it was?
Blue.
You're absolutely right. Sapphire.
This is the most beautiful
place on earth.
I don't know how anyone could
prefer New York City.
I'm terribly sorry
to interrupt your luncheon...
but I know we haven't
been properly introduced.
I'm Edith Bouvier Beale
and you're Max Gordon!
Thank you, I've had a few of these
and I started to wonder.
I hear you're on the lookout
for the next great actress.
Well, I am casting
a new musical this summer.
I just adore musicals
and I do terrific dances.
"We all march together
for love is behind.
We all march together, united we die.
We all march together,
cause we love the land.
It's the spirit of VMI."
I was doing
the "VMI Marching Song"...
which is a ground maneuver
and when I do that, see...
that's when the plane goes by.
You're quite the comedienne,
you're funnier than Judy Holliday.
We're holding auditions at
the Guild Theatre at the end of July.
Ring my office, put yourself
on the list for a shot.
Well, I'll try to squeeze it in.
Thank you, Mr Gordon.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Cute gal.
- Miss Beale?
- Yeah?
That was quite the little routine
you put on in there.
Why, thank you, Mr...
Kruge.
Please call me Cap, everybody does.
Cap. That's marvelous.
I was named after my mother.
She's also Edith.
Would you have dinner with me, Edith?
Lunch?
- Dessert?
- You could take me dancing.
Come on, Pinky.
658 dollars and forty-eight cents
to the Maidstone Club.
- Edith, let's just cancel it.
- No.
When Edie comes home,
she'll want to go.
- Edith, she's not coming home.
- Well, don't say that.
I'll pay for it out of
the Bouvier trust.
Next.
Here's one from P.C. Schenck and Sons
for 89.27...
for the heating oil.
Send that one to my husband.
Yeah. I already did last month.
- Your husband's wife sent it back.
- I am not in the mood...
for this, Gould.
Not now. We'll finish later.
Gould?
Yes, Edith?
You know I'd be lost without you.
And I, you, darling.
Like a moth to the flame.
And what's a moth without a flame?
- Dancing isn't exactly my forte.
- You're doing just fine.
So, what's he like?
- Who?
- President Truman!
Well, he and I didn't see
eye-to-eye on certain things...
so I...
stepped down from his cabinet.
I just adore politics.
How is it you haven't been snapped up
by some eligible bachelor yet, Edith?
I have sworn off bachelors.
What do you have against bachelors?
They're boring, inconsiderate,
pig-headed, stubborn...
spoiled momma's boys who think
they have a premium on women...
which unfortunately they have...
there being so many
of us girls around.
Hang on.
But one has got to make the most
in a difficult situation...
and that's why women in desperation
have turned to the married man.
Married men
are generous and discreet...
they don't make a fuss,
they don't stick around...
and they let you have
a career if you want one.
Most girls would be jealous.
Most girls aren't Edith Beale.
All I want in life, Mr Kruge,
is a dance partner.
Goodbye, Edith.
Oh my gosh, you're like
a bull in a china shop.
- Do you wanna get caught?
- I'm sorry.
Oh God. If they find you here,
I'll be out on the streets...
no questions asked.
What's that?
Cap...
it's divine.
But it's far too generous.
It suits you.
So, you've bought me now, is that it?
Of course not, Ede.
I just love to see you shine.
It's exciting.
Don't.
I ate too much.
I have to lose weight
before the audition.
My angel, Cap.
Whoever said you can't have it all.
It wasn't Edith Beale.
- Hello, Mother.
- Edie?
Yeah.
- What was that?
- I just knocked over a glass.
Have you replied to Mrs Cabot's
party invitation yet?
No. I mean yes. I sent my regrets.
I don't wanna travel all the way out
to East Hampton for just one party.
Well, it wouldn't be
just for that, I hope.
- I miss you, chicken.
- I miss you too, Mother.
But I really must go.
It's just that I'm... pressing
my blouse and it's going to burn.
Well, it's a bit late to go out now.
Oh no, mother.
It's burning.
Edie?
Tomorrow. We'll talk again tomorrow.
No, Edie?
Well, I love you too, Edie.
Can you believe he said I was
funnier than Judy Holliday?
And prettier.
He didn't say that.
Well...
he should have.
I flirt...
but it's all talk.
Mostly.
I wish I had met you before.
Cap.
She knows that I'm here.
Indeed.
- Yes, mother?
- Listen, babe, I was thinking...
- Were you running?
- No, I just...
got out of the tub
and ran to the phone.
Have you got a man there, Edie?
No, of course not.
But so what if I had?
Well, why don't you bring him home?
I'd like to meet this nice young man.
No, stop pressuring me
to come home. I'm getting work.
And I'm just about to
get an audition with...
are you sitting down?
Max Gordon. The Max Gordon!
I danced for him and
he went to pieces.
- He's married.
- Well, I don't know...
if he's married, but
what does that matter?
Mr Gordon is a very...
- prominent producer.
- No, Edie.
I don't mean him.
I mean your visitor.
He's married, isn't he?
- Mother.
- No, Edie...
married men will only
break your heart.
I'm fine. I'm happier
than I've ever been.
You know that stress
makes your hair fall out.
Remember?
Mother. I've gotta go.
I think she's on to us!
- Phelan? It's me.
- Yes?
I have some news.
Now, is this about the check...
- because...
- No, it's not about the bills.
It's about your daughter.
Miss Beale? Your father's here.
He's waiting downstairs
for you in the lobby.
- Oh my God, we fell asleep.
- Oh God.
Here.
- Do you remember this?
- May I see that, please?
The villain of the piece.
"To my best friend and
most delightful comrade.
To my only sweetheart
and wonderful wife...
I tender this likeness
of her husband.
Phelan Beale, 1929"
Did I laugh when I read that?
Aren't kids terrible?
I just roared.
I lived alone at least
thirty years. I didn't mind.
You get to be very independent
when you live alone.
You get to be a real individual.
You can't have your cake
and eat it too in life.
Yes, I did. I did.
I had my cake, loved it,
masticated it, chewed it.
- I had everything I wanted.
- She was bored.
- She couldn't stand it.
- No, I was not!
I was a great singer.
I had a perfect marriage,
beautiful children.
I had a terribly successful marriage.
No, I never had a fight in my life.
I never threw anything
at Mr Beale, never.
No, I never...
never had words with...
with Mr Beale at all.
Edie, why don't you show
the Maysles the beach?
Do you boys want to see the ocean?
- Sure.
- Come on.
Tickets, please.
Thank you, Sir.
Now, Edie, this will
be better for you.
You can swim, fresh air. It's too hot
in town. You love the ocean.
Edie, please.
Edie.
Please say goodbye.
Good evening, Grey Gardens.
I'll have a look to see
if Mrs Beale is at home.
Thank you, Molly, I've got it.
- This is Mrs Beale.
- May I speak with Edith, please?
- To whom am I speaking?
- Julius Kruge.
A Mr Julius Kruge for you, dear.
Cap?
What happened to you?
I'm stuck here at my mother's house.
Are you all right?
- I'm fine.
- Okay.
When are you gonna be back?
Well, that's just it, I don't know.
I have my audition
on Tuesday morning.
I just have to make it back by then.
Well, I'll take you to lunch
afterwards to celebrate.
Meet me at the Hampshire House.
- Cap?
- Yes, Edie?
I...
I know.
- Me too.
- Cap.
Never say that right after
I say that, okay?
I never wanna have to wonder
if you thought you had to say it.
But I didn't say it.
Right.
I'll see you there.
Good night.
Goodbye.
He sounded awfully married to me.
Edie!
Edie, come here!
What's wrong, mother?
Where have you been, woman?
Paris, mother.
Look, kitties, little baby kitties.
- Marvelous.
- Here. Look at this one.
- And this one.
- Poor old Pink.
She must be starving.
Pinky, are you hungry?
We're out of cat food.
I'll go into town, get some more.
Edie!
Get some ice cream! We'll celebrate.
Yes, Mother darling.
"We all march together,
for love is divine."
Give that to Mr Kruge right away.
And your name, Miss?
- Darling, do you have the room?
- Judy Holliday.
Of course.
Cap!
Are you trying to
sabotage my marriage?
- What do you mean?
- My wife loved your poem, Edith.
Well, I didn't know she was here.
Please, save the innocent
surprise routine for Max Gordon.
I told you to meet me
at the Hampshire House tomorrow.
It was a mistake.
Look, I can't do this
anymore. At all.
Cap, what we have
between us is special.
What we had between us was sex.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye, Edith.
- Edie?
- Mother?
Edie, where are you?
I'm in New York, mother.
I was apoplectic.
I looked up my beau.
He...
Edie.
Edie, he left you.
- Come home, Edie.
- But I have my audition tomorrow.
Well, you're in
no condition for that.
- No, there'll be another chance.
- But Mother, it's Max Gordon.
Edie.
Max Gordon will wait for talent.
Come home and recuperate.
Let me take care of you.
Edie?
Edie, come home.
Come home, Edie.
Edie?
Is that you?
Did you bring the cat food?
And the ice cream?
It melted.
Just look at that face.
These are some of the most
beautiful kitties in the world.
I could just elope
with these kitties.
Put them in a big basket
and elope with them.
Aren't they gorgeous? Look.
Edie?
Let's breed cats, Edie.
Wouldn't that be fun?
Yeah.
You get some rest, babe.
Isn't this a treat?
I haven't been out to the beach
in absolutely forever.
The only reason Mother
is letting me out...
is because of you two fellas.
I think my days at
Grey Gardens are limited.
I don't wanna be here.
I can't stand a country house
in the first place.
Makes me terribly nervous.
I'm scared to death of doors,
locks...
people roaming around
in the background...
under the trees and in the bushes.
I'm absolutely terrified.
I'm not a bit terrified
in the city. Not a bit.
Any little rat's nest in New York...
any little mouse hole,
any little rat hole...
even on Tenth Avenue,
I would like better.
Good afternoon, Grey Gardens.
No, buddy, it's me.
How are you? My boy.
I was just thinking of you.
Come in.
Buddy called.
Your father's died.
The funeral's...
here in town on Tuesday.
I never said goodbye.
His wife got all of it,
Buddy, every cent?
Most of it, yes.
What little Father did leave you
was put into a trust.
What's that supposed to mean?
That I'm not responsible enough
to manage it myself?
Who oversees this trust?
Buddy and I are the trustees.
Well then, you can contest the will.
There's... not that much
there, Mother. And...
frankly, lawyer's fees
would just eat it all up.
But don't worry. You and
Edie will continue...
to receive your monthly stipend.
That barely covers the groceries
and the long-distance bill.
He's had me living on one
hundred and fifty dollars a month...
for the last ten years.
If we increase your allowance...
your money will just
run out that much sooner.
Which is why Buddy and I have found
a nice place in Marco Island...
that you could afford
if you were to sell Grey Gardens.
I'd love to move to
a hot little island.
Someone's finally singing my song.
- No more horrid winters.
- Yeah...
and there wouldn't be nearly
the upkeep this place requires.
What do you say?
It would be good for
your back, Mother darling.
Your arthritis isn't
getting any better.
You could get a place, all on
one level, no stairs to climb.
I could work on my nightclub routine.
Yeah, you could even afford
to hire some help, mother.
We've worked it all out.
Maybe travel or meet somebody.
I'm not selling
Grey Gardens, chickens.
Are you sure you don't
want to spend the night here?
It's such a long drive...
- back to Glenn Cove.
- See, you're not understanding.
Your trust won't last forever
and we can't afford...
to fix this place up for you.
All you have to do is sign
this Power of Attorney form.
We'll take care of everything.
Grey Gardens is in my name.
It always has been.
That's not gonna change.
The only way I'm ever leaving
Grey Gardens is feet first.
Eventually, you'll
be forced to leave.
Edie?
Oh God!
No.
Oh no.
Edie, stop! Put that down.
Oh my!
No, baby. No!
Oh no.
Edie.
My baby.
You gotta go on.
Chicken, you gotta go on in life.
Even when you've lost your song.
Come on.
I'll take you to bed.
Come on, sweetheart.
Just think of the hat opportunities
this presents, babe.
What did you think when Edie
came back from The Barbizon?
I had to build her up.
She was very sick.
And...
I was happy to do it.
She was sick?
Oh... yeah.
Very delicate...
and...
very ill.
She was very delicate...
very bad.
I don't like delicate women.
I hate 'em.
They can't have babies,
they can't do anything.
But I didn't know I came back
to give Gould a vacation!
- Yes, he wanted a vacation.
- But I didn't know that!
Now, listen, that...
You're wasting...
that thing on this
because this is just nuts!
How long am I going to be on display?
I'm not in the mood anymore.
Well, you're doing great, Mrs Beale.
I suppose mother didn't want me
to have anybody that was decent.
You understand.
"Under brilliant sunshine,
a steady stream of...
some two hundred world statesmen...
follow a black-veiled
Jacqueline Kennedy...
as she walks in silent dignity...
behind the coffin of
her slain husband.
A hushed silence has fallen across
the thousands of bystanders...
who line the route of
the funeral procession...
as they catch their first glimpse
of President Kennedy's children...
Little Caroline and John,
dressed in their best coats...
holding their mother's hand and
surrounded by a sea of black.
John-John's third birthday is today.
It is twelve o'clock
here in Washington...
as Mrs Kennedy leads her children
up the cathedral steps...
and into the west door of
St. Matthews for the service."
Course I'm mad about animals,
but raccoons and cats...
become a little bit boring.
I mean for too long a time.
I don't know.
I better check on
Mother and the cats.
She's a lot of fun,
I hope she doesn't die.
I'd hate to spend
another winter here though.
Oh God, another winter.
This is private property, you know.
You shouldn't be here.
Miss Beale, I'm the head
of the housing...
and sanitation division of
the Suffolk County Health Department.
And this is my deputy.
How you do, Miss Beale?
We've received several complaints.
From whom?
Mostly from people downwind of you.
The community's concerned with
the state of your property.
Starting with this automobile
in the yard here.
Look, things just tend to accumulate
after Labor Day, what can I tell you?
Right. Well, we also
understand that...
you may have no heat,
no running water...
and your home is no longer fit
for human or even animal habitation.
Who put you up to this?
Was it my rotten brothers?
We need to inspect your home
for possible health code violations.
Have you got a search warrant?
- Well, no.
- Well, mother and I...
appreciate your concern, but you
really shouldn't have come.
If this place isn't
thoroughly cleaned up...
we'll have no choice
but to take legal action...
to force you and
your mother to vacate!
What do you mean
the trust has run out?
Completely?
Buddy. How?
No! No Florida.
We have been clients...
of P.C. Schenck and Sons
for over fifty years.
Does that not count
for anything at all?
Well, yes, when you have
a reversal of fortune, sir...
what do you hope will happen to you?
Hello?
Hello?
Edie, call the grocer, I'm starving.
Mother, they've cut us off.
Well, can you get the heating guy
back? It's getting cold.
He won't come. We owe him nine
hundred and fourty-seven dollars.
Go to bed with him if you have to.
Winter's just around the corner.
Everyone, just hold here, okay.
Miss Beale?
Miss Beale, we're back
and we need to speak to you.
It's the authorities.
I'll be down just as soon as
I put on some lipstick!
Just stay here, I'll
take care of everything.
Edie, don't let them in.
- Hello.
- What?
Here's the inspection warrant
you were asking for, Miss Beale.
Diseased cats. We're not
harboring any diseased cats.
Well, that's what
we're here to determine.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- Wait! No!
- No, you can't go in there!
- Sheez.
Okay, a couple of you check in there.
Don't go up there!
- Oh my God!
- Get out of this house!
- Get out of my mother's house!
- Edie!
Someone get a cage, please.
Watch your step through here.
Is that a raccoon?
Look at the size of that thing.
My gosh.
Edie!
Get out of our house!
I can't stand this mean,
nasty Republican town.
I mean, where else
but in East Hampton...
do you have to pay to get
your garbage taken away?
There's someone out there.
There's no one out there.
It's all in your head, kid.
I think he has a camera.
You need to get dressed,
Mother darling.
You don't want the whole world
to see you looking like that.
What do you mean the whole world?
There's no one here but us chickens.
I think your staunch daughter
just came up with a solution...
to our vexing situation.
You're not gonna get a very good
picture from all the way back here.
I'm sorry, I was...
Please don't call the police!
The police? Mother thought
we should invite you in for tea.
You want me to stand here?
- Like this?
- Yeah, right there.
- I'll just stay here.
- That's marvelous.
You taking pictures of me?
Yes, Mrs Beale.
Did you photograph the carved
banisters and panel doors?
Only a student of architecture could
fully appreciate details like that.
You're gonna publish
these photographs, right?
- They'll definitely be published.
- Great.
Who is it? Who's there?
Aunt Edie. It's Jacqueline.
Jacqueline! I was just
thinking about you.
We'll be right down.
Jacqueline.
We weren't expecting you.
I... sorry to have
come over unannounced...
but your phone's been disconnected.
That... cat is going
to the bathroom...
right in the back of
your portrait, Aunt Edith.
Edie's a little...
not much of a...
cleaner. She's...
she doesn't like to
polish and do things like that.
Why don't we all go sit out
in the walled garden?
It's such a beautiful day.
You've always had such gorgeous hair.
It's wonderful to see you.
What brings you to
East Hampton, Jacqueline?
I needed to get away, so I
decided to stay with Lee...
in Montauk for a few days.
Lee's in Montauk?
I've got a niece in Montauk
and I didn't know.
She's staying at Andy Warhol's place.
My sister's fallen in with
a bit of a film crowd.
She's got her mind
set on making a movie...
about our childhoods
out here in East Hampton.
Well, if you ever need
a place to stay, chicken...
if you need
to get away from it all...
the door is always open.
Oh God, these chairs.
Are they dirty, these chairs?
We can sit on paper.
Jacqueline, did you...
Did you receive
our condolences after that...
that terrible thing with Jack?
I meant to thank you.
I'm sorry.
You've had quite a rough go
of it, haven't you?
I don't think I was ever really
cut out for public life.
Such... scrutiny.
No judgments here, Jacqueline.
Thank you, Aunt Edie.
You two have always
been so warm to me.
Edie, are you all right?
Is it true that Jack Kennedy...
- gave you gonorrhea?
- Edie!
I'm terribly sorry, Jacqueline.
Do you remember Jack's brother,
Joe Kennedy, Jr.?
No, Edie, he died in the war
years before I even met Jack.
When he died, I cried. I really did.
Joe was an extraordinarily
beautiful young man.
I was really taken by him.
Yes, too bad he wasn't taken by you.
He certainly was.
It's no secret they were
grooming him to be President...
before they ever started
looking to Jack.
He was a superb dancer,
he really was.
But it was his manners
I remember most.
Well, you know what
I'll always remember?
Summers, here in East Hampton...
with Aunt Edie singing and you
taking me down to the beach.
I was the golden girl.
- You certainly were.
- Edie?
Get us some pate, won't you?
You know, if Joe hadn't
gone down in the war...
then I certainly would
have married him...
- and then I'd have be...
- Edie, don't!
Now, just... get us some pate
or ice cream or something.
I'd have become First Lady
and not you.
Yes, Jacqueline.
It could have been me.
I wish it had been you, Edie.
I really do.
Grey Gardens.
I hardly recognize it.
Buddy said you won't
let them sell it.
They're lovely boys,
but they don't understand.
I don't think I do either.
Grey Gardens...
is my home.
It's the only place...
where I feel completely myself.
You have extraordinary
determination, Aunt Edie.
You don't have to worry.
Ari and I are going to help you
get things all straightened out.
Lee can supervise everything
since she's so close by.
I had no idea, really.
Oh dear, no.
I could never ask you
to do something like that.
Well, you didn't.
I'm offering. Insisting, in fact.
"It should have been me."
You never dated Joe Kennedy.
What a whopper.
I met him at a house party...
- at Princeton.
- Exactly.
You met him, but you weren't
going to marry him, that's clear.
Well, I might have,
Mother darling. I might have.
- You wanna take my picture?
- Of course this has all been...
- very hard on me.
- Take it right here.
- All these people in my house.
- This is the original porch...
- of the house.
- The threat of eviction...
- presumably over.
- Taking down...
sixty-year-old English ivy.
- What's going on?
- Edie?
- That would be good. What?
- Edie!
Don't let them take anything
out of my house.
What's in that bag?
Edie, what's he going
to do with that rug?
Lee, what's going on?
- Is this a movie?
- What's he taking out?
This is Albert and David Maysles.
David and Al, it's
very nice to meet you.
Are you with Lee and Jackie?
We are.
Come on, let's go inside
for a second.
There's nothing wrong with that rug.
- Hey, we have any more of those?
- Yeah.
If Edie were any good,
if she were any good at all...
This is all soft-shoe now, you know.
This is a dance. Come on, Edie.
I used to do it myself, you know.
I did that...
soft-shoe.
"To see us or hear us"
"No friends or relations
on weekend vacations"
"We won't have it known, dear,
that we own a telephone"
"No, no, no"
"But I'll awake"
"And start to bake a sugar cake"
"Ooh, see, for all the girls to see"
"We can raise a family"
"A girl for you a boy for me"
"Oh, can't you see
how happy we would be"
Dance to that, Edie!
It's a waltz. Come on, get Edie up.
Dance, a waltz!
How can you resist it?
How can you resist that?
"La-la-la"
"La... dah, ah, ah"
"Oh, can't you see"
"How happy we would be"
"Would be"
Isn't that a beautiful chord?
Darling David, where
have you been all my life?
Where have you been?
The only thing I needed was this man.
- Edie?
- What?
What'd you say, Edie?
All I needed was this man, David!
I wish I had David and Al
with me before this.
Yeah, well, you had your mother.
Yeah.
But they're more interesting!
David, Al...
it's an artistic smash.
Thank you, Edie. Well,
and it's not finished yet.
That is only one one-hundredth
of what it'll look...
and sound like when we're done.
Well, I'll have to call up
every one of my relatives...
and tell them I'll never
speak to them again...
if they don't go to see it.
Edie, have you seen Whiskers?
Where's that kitty?
That's Mother's new favorite cat.
Ears like a Russian borscht.
She just loves him
and he disappeared.
Now, David, this film
is very advanced...
just like the way that
the New Wave changed cinema.
Although I never did get out
to see the New Wave.
Oh my God, abroad!
They're gonna love it in Europe.
Do you think you can
make it to the premiere?
We could really use you there.
No. I don't think so.
That's not for me,
not my kind of thing.
But I wish you
all the luck in the world.
Edie, we're gonna see you
at the premiere, right?
We're gonna paint
the town red together.
If you don't win ninety prizes for
this movie, I'll be very surprised.
Thank you.
Goodbye, Al.
Goodbye, Edie.
- Goodbye, David.
- Goodbye, Edie.
You were magnificent, Mother darling.
- You stole the show.
- I looked fat.
Didn't Grey Gardens look terrific?
Help me into my rolling chair.
I can't stand up any longer.
I would think I'll just be
having to travel all of the time.
Paris, London.
Rome. Finally.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
And the premiere,
that'll be something.
I wouldn't go to that
premiere if I were you.
But mother, you heard Al.
They need me there.
That film is a work of art.
Well...
I think it would
be a terrible mistake.
Besides, you've already seen it.
Why don't you put on that
orchestration of "Tea for Two"?
Why would it be a mistake?
I don't think you see yourself
the way others see you.
You're a...
I'm what?
You're an acquired taste, babe.
Now, let's just forget
the whole thing, okay?
Now, go get that record.
We need some music.
Whiskers?
Whiskers?
Whiskers?
You just can't stand
that the whole world...
is going to know the truth.
About what?
About how you've held me
back all these years.
It's all in that picture.
Did we just watch the same movie?
I'm going to that premiere.
You don't leave.
You say you will, but you never do.
Now, let's have that song.
No! It's not gonna work
this time. This is my chance.
- Don't you see that?
- No, you had your chance...
- and you missed out!
- Yeah!
- Because I had to come home...
- No.
- to take care of you.
- That married man...
was not going to do anything...
- for you at all, Edie.
- And you...
stuck me in this goddamn house!
Nobody stuck anybody anywhere.
If you're stuck, Edie,
it's only with yourself!
Edie!
Edie?
Edie!
Whiskers.
You ran away, boy?
Mother was apoplectic.
She needs you.
Edie? Is that you?
My heart. Bring him here.
Now, why did you run away
the way you did?
Whiskers.
I won't go to New York.
I got it all wrong, didn't I?
It was all my fault, wasn't it?
I should have let you
stay in New York.
I could have gone anytime.
Edie, I need your help.
- Here. Take my hand.
- No.
In the closet, under the stairs...
there's a little yellow box.
It's hidden back behind.
I want you to get it for me.
Go on, go get it.
Can you find it, Edie?
Your wedding jewels.
You've kept these all this time?
I was saving them for you.
You should have sold them.
God knows we needed the money.
Things could have been different.
There's nothing to regret.
Besides, they weren't mine to sell.
They've always been yours.
You can wear them to that premiere.
Okay, old gal.
I said nothing but sensible sentences
in that picture, didn't I?
Yes, Mother. You're a star.
- No, you're a star.
- No, you're a star.
Go on inside.
So, Edie, how'd it go, chicken?
"Mrs Beale, this is Walter Goodman
of the New York Times.
I was wondering if
you had any comments...
on the Maysles' "Grey Gardens"."
No, Mr Goodman.
It's all in the movie.
"Mrs Beale?"
It's all in the movie.
Will you sing us another song, Edie?
Do you really want me to? Okay.
"Tea for two and two for tea"
"You for me and me for you"
"Da-da-da, da-da-da-di, da-dum"
"Da-da-da, no friends or relations"
"Da-da-da-da, on weekend vacations"
"We won't have it known, dear"
"That we own a telephone, dear"
"I'll awake and start to bake"
"A sugar cake"
"For all the world to see"
"We will raise a family"
"A girl for you, a boy for me"
"Can't you see"
"How happy we will be"
Thank you. All I can say is...
Happy New Year!
No animals were harmed
in the making of this movie.
Darling David, where have...
you been all my life?
Where have you been?
The only thing I needed was this man.
- Edie?
- What?
What'd you say, Edie?
All I needed was this man, David.
No, she was gorgeous.
Edie had everything.
She doesn't remember what she was.
Everybody looks and thinks and
feels differently as years go by.
Edie, look.
Your wedding jewels, mother darling.
Yes.
Here.
Do me up, chicken.
This might be the last time
I wear these.
Why?
Why?
Because next time, this'll be
dangling from your neck, not mine.
And these.
These will grace the ears
of Mrs J. Paul Getty.
- Mother.
- Mrs J. Paul Getty.
That has a lovely ring to it.
Or Mrs Jordan McClanahan. Now,
I hear he has his eye on you.
He's bound to propose after tonight.
You look absolutely gorgeous.
The doctor was right about
your hair growing back.
No one will notice.
He also said that it could all
fall out again at any moment...
so I've that to look
forward to, haven't I?
It'll be fine.
Now, don't be long.
- Sir.
- Hello.
Edith, you look divine.
- Where's little Edie?
- Good evening.
Isn't she ready yet?
- She needs a minute.
- Good evening.
- Been over an hour, darling.
- Ma'am.
- Well, you know Edie.
- Hello.
Always the queen of
the dramatic pause.
I suppose I could entertain
our guests with a little song...
while we wait.
I prefer they don't leave
before Edie's been presented...
but thank you, Edith.
There's our girl.
Miss Beale, they're ready for you.
Hello.
Edie?
Edie?
Come on back in.
I can't.
Edith, you'll never get
a man to propose to you...
if you don't have a debut.
And if you can't get
a man to propose to you...
- well, you just...
- You might as well be dead?
If you don't get married,
how on earth...
do you plan to take care of yourself?
You know I want to be
an actress and a dancer.
Once you married Father,
he made you give up your singing.
I won't let that happen to me.
I still sing and I have
a perfectly marvelous marriage.
When are you going to learn, Edie...
you can have your cake and
eat it too in this life.
No, you can't, mother darling.
Edie, find a man who'll
give you a long leash.
Get married.
And then you can do
whatever you want.
Come on.
How about... Mrs Howard Hughes?
Too greasy.
You're absolutely right.
Edie?
Edie? Have you fed Buster?
Yes, mother, I fed him his luncheon.
There's a horrible smell.
I can hardly stand it.
Will you shut up? It's a goddamn
beautiful day. Just shut up!
Well, look what the cat
dragged in! It's the Maysles.
- Hello, Edie.
- I was just thinking about you.
What brings you out to Grey Gardens?
Well, we'd like to do a movie
just about you and your mother.
- Yeah.
- Really? Well, what about...
the Bouvier movie? Well,
Jackie's probably too busy...
being Mrs Aristotle Onassis?
Yeah, well, your cousin, we sort of
lost interest in that and...
pulled the plug.
Al, that's terrible.
Well, you and your mother
were the best part of it...
to be perfectly honest.
Well, Mother and I are
very entertaining, that's true.
So, this movie would just
be starring me and Mother?
- No one else?
- That's the idea.
Well then, it looks like the Beales
just stole the Bouvier movie!
This is great!
This is gonna be my big chance.
My chance to relaunch my career.
Edie?
The Maysles are back to make
a movie about us, Mother darling.
You think your mother
will go along with it?
It's her house and she has in it
who she wants in it.
- You understand.
- My heart.
How perfectly flattering.
Hello, Mrs Beale!
An old woman like me. No.
I'm not much of an actress, you know.
So, boys, now... explain to me.
Exactly how would this work?
Is there a script?
I'm a very quick study.
- Are you the director then, David?
- Well, no, no script.
No director. It's
a documentary, you just...
do what you do and we just
stay in the background.
Just artists making
a film about artists.
Well, we've always been
mad about the movies.
"Gigi" with Leslie Caron.
Marvelous.
- Did you ever see that?
- Of course.
Yeah.
Well, it all sounds
terribly exciting.
And I assume we'll share
in the profits?
Well...
to be honest, the words,
"documentary" and "profit"...
don't usually end up
in the same sentence.
There's never been one about us.
I'm certain that we can...
- work something out. Yeah.
- We'll work something out.
And I'll need a clause
in my contract...
that lets me do roles
in other movies.
- Well, sure.
- Absolutely.
- I mean, that's not a problem.
- I don't think... That's... no...
Then, that cements the deal.
- They're here already!
- Oh my goodness!
Buddy! Phelan!
- Last one is in a rotten egg.
- Boys, no running in the house!
- Good morning, Mr Beale.
- Hello, Robert.
- Hello!
- Molly!
Ma'am. We didn't expect you
till later this afternoon.
It's all right, Molly, it's okay.
- Hello.
- I just couldn't wait.
Go on.
Edith?
Now, this is far too extravagant.
What you've got here is
a veritable army of...
We're in the midst of
a Depression, Edie.
I've already had to let
half my staff go...
and well, you're gonna
have to cut back as well.
It takes many hands to run
this house properly, Phelan.
You can keep Molly and Frank,
but the rest have to be dismissed.
- Well, what about Gould?
- What about him?
Well, you can't deprive the children
of their music lessons.
That would be cruel.
Fine.
Molly, Frank and Gould.
But that's it.
Now as far as Edie is concerned...
please, get her engaged
to a stable person.
Though, I'm not sure either one
of you would know stable...
if it walked through your soup.
Well, whatever do you mean?
You know exactly what I mean,
Edith. She's unpredictable.
That stunt at the Pierre
did not go unnoticed.
Phelan, please. She's high-spirited.
Well, whatever euphemism
you've got for it...
get her settled in
with a good family.
This is your job,
your sole responsibility.
What? You're leaving already?
I have to work, Edith.
Someone has to pay for
the Maidstone Club...
and all those goddamn
crab sandwiches.
And someone has to
tend to his secretary.
- Let me take that for you, sir.
- Thank you, Frank.
- Gould, you're here!
- Edith darling.
You look divine.
So do you.
Are you in voice?
I haven't practiced in ages.
- Well, that's why I'm here.
- I know.
Well then... I'm off.
Children, say goodbye to your father.
He's suddenly been
called back to the city.
- Already?
- Well, I'll see you on the weekend.
Goodbye, buddy.
- Goodbye, father.
- Bye, little man.
Goodbye, father.
- Come on.
- Can I come with you, please?
Well, it's the summer, Edie,
there's no one your age in town.
But there's a dance class
I'd like to attend.
You just find yourself a nice fellow
from the Maidstone Club...
that's all you have to
focus on this summer.
Father, but they're just so dull.
Edie.
Enough.
That's a Spanish
wall garden over there.
The Hills, they put that in.
They imported everything from Rome.
Mrs Hill, she was
a famous... horticulturist.
That was one of the famous
gardens of America.
Edie, you look fantastic.
David, you look absolutely terrific.
Honestly, you've got
like... light-blue on.
Well, Al, you're still... Mother
says you're very conservative.
This is the best thing to wear
for today, you understand?
Because I don't like women in skirts.
And the best thing
is to wear pantyhose...
or some pants under
a short skirt, I think.
Then, you have the pants
under the skirt...
and then you can pull
the stockings up over the pants...
underneath the skirt.
And you can always take off
the skirt and use it as a cape.
So, I think this is
the best costume for the day.
Okay.
I have to think
these things up. You know.
Mother wanted me to come out
in a kimono, so we had quite a fight.
Al, was that good?
You want me to do that again?
What a body, Beale.
"Smart and sleek she sits.
Ready with her playful quips.
Wondering who will come her way.
To dine her, to wine her.
Which to snare to stay?"
William Blake.
Edith Beale. Poet,
temptress, entertainer.
That was great, Cousin Edie.
It's in the Bouvier blood,
you can do it too, Jacqueline.
Mr Strong.
The children are all at the beach.
Shall we have our lesson?
Of course, darling.
Let's.
How about this one?
"We belong together. We're happy
together and life is a song"
"When we are together, we know
we are where we belong"
"We belong together
like birds of a feather"
"Together we thrive"
"Little caring whether
the rest of the world is alive"
- "All alone I'm only a half"
- Aren't they just divine?
- Divine.
- "Like a joke"
"Without any laughs"
"But when we're together, we're
happy together and life is a song"
"When we are together, we know
we are where we belong"
Brava.?
Should I tell them about Gould?
Gould was Mother's accompanist.
He was a boogie-woogie composer
with the most terrific style.
He was the most brilliant man
I ever met.
That's including Mr Beale
and Mr Bouvier.
Completely brilliant.
I came down here
to live in this house...
because I did all my singing here.
I was so happy.
I was happier...
singing...
than anything I've ever done
since I was born.
I liked it better...
than anything I ever did.
"I won't dance, don't ask me"
"I won't dance, don't ask me"
- "I won't dance, Madame, with you"
- Champagne? Wine?
"My heart won't let my feet
do things they should do"
"You know what? You're lovely"
"And so what? I'm lovely"
"But, oh, what you do to me"
"I'm like an ocean wave
that's bumped on the shore"
"I feel so absolutely
stumped the floor"
"I won't dance, why should I"
"I won't dance, how could I"
"I won't dance, merci?beaucoup"
"I know that music leads
the way to romance"
"So, if I hold you in my arms"
- "I won't dance"
- Here.
"I won't dance"
"I won't dance"
East Hampton.
- Curly hair.
- Mine too. I'm glad I...
"The chimney's smoking"
"The roof is leaking in"
"But I don't seem to care"
"There ain't no reason"
"Why I should love that man"
"It must be something"
"That the angels done planned"
"Fish got to swim
and birds got to fly"
- "I got to love one man"
- Here.
"Till I die"
"Can't help loving that man of mine"
Come on, Edie, the soft-shoe!
How can you resist?
Mother!
"When he goes away"
"That's a rainy day"
"But when he comes back,
that day is fine"
"The sun will shine"
"We can come home as late as can be"
"Home without him"
- "Ain't no Home to me"
- Mr Beale!
"Can't help loving"
- "That man of mine"
- Edith.
Mr Beale.
What are you doing here?
It's only Thursday.
- It's Friday, Edith.
- Well.
Get everyone out of here.
Including him.
Goddamn Ganymede.
I'm right here, Phelan,
I can hear you.
All right, everyone, time to go home.
Aurevoir.
There's more glasses
out in the solarium.
And one of you...
- Go.
- Come on, Edie.
- Go.
- Used to be charming, Edith.
Now, it's just sad.
And what's that, Phelan?
You're the mother of
my children, not a showgirl.
And mothers can't sing?
You know what I mean.
Edie.
Enough is enough.
I'm making a change. I'm putting
the boys in boarding school...
and I'm bringing Little Edie
back to the city...
before you ruin her altogether.
Ruin her.
Why, because she was
dancing at a party?
The priest said
she needs a strong hand.
And I'm sick and tired of the same
conversation over and over again.
And where are you in all this,
Mr Father of My Children?
- I don't need this.
- Well, neither do I.
Then, you'll live your life...
and I'll live mine.
With pleasure.
- "La, da, di, da, da, da, da"
- Mother?
- "Da, da"
- Mother, please.
Aren't you going to say goodbye?
Why?
Where are you going?
I'm going to New York, mother.
"Give my regards to Broadway"
Why, that's just crazy.
What are you going to do in New York?
I'm going to be
an actress and a dancer.
"Life upon the wicked stage
ain't ever what a girl supposes"
And of course your father is going
to make all the introductions.
Is that it? Set you up?
With all his show-business
connections at the law firm?
I worry about you, babe.
Stay here.
I'm strong. You've always said that
I was a staunch character, remember?
- Stop that!
- Cut it out!
I want your blessing, Mother, please.
Edith.
Edie.
There's nothing there
that you can't get here.
You can travel the whole world and...
you'll still never find anything
as beautiful as right here.
Besides...
Gould doesn't know how to soft-shoe.
Who am I gonna dance with?
Goodbye, Mother.
Edie?
Edie?
She never answers me, that woman.
I suppose I won't get out of here
until she dies or I die.
- Who is "she", the cat?
- I don't know when...
I'm gonna get out of here.
Why do you want to get out?
Because I like freedom.
Well, you can't get it, darling.
You're being... supported.
And you can't get freedom
when you're being supported.
I thought you always said
you can't get freedom...
when you're not being
supported, remember?
It's awful both ways, I guess.
I'd just like a couple of days
on the beach, that's all.
Well, everything is good
you didn't do.
At the time, you didn't want it.
Everybody looks and thinks
and feels differently...
as years go by.
It's very difficult to keep
the line between the past...
and the present.
Awfully difficult.
Hello, Father. Sorry I'm late.
- Thank you.
- I've... ordered for you.
So?
- Yes?
- Isn't this the part...
where you ask me
if I've met someone new?
Well, have you?
I meet new people all the time.
That's not what I meant
and you know it.
I can't afford to support you
indefinitely, Edie.
Who do you think
pays for women like you?
- Men like me.
- Men like me.
Now, between your room
at The Barbizon...
and your allowance and
your mother's allowance.
Your new fake wife's allowance?
Don't be insolent.
Do you want this check or not?
Now, that position is
still open at the law firm.
You're a smart girl, Edie.
And you're... more than
capable of secretarial work.
I don't know why you can't
hold one of these jobs.
Just promise me...
you'll try to get back on course.
Yes, father.
Well, at least you've
given up that...
foolish notion of performing
your mother infected you with.
Yes, absolutely.
This way.
Who's that guy at the third table?
The name's Julius Kruge.
The Secretary of the Interior?
No idea, but watch out, he's married.
Heavens! It's Max Gordon.
Who's that?
You don't know who Max Gordon is?
He's a famous producer.
Max Gordon discovered
Judy Holliday...
and is generally considered
the King of Broadway.
It is a beautiful ocean
today, isn't it?
What color would you say it was?
Blue.
You're absolutely right. Sapphire.
This is the most beautiful
place on earth.
I don't know how anyone could
prefer New York City.
I'm terribly sorry
to interrupt your luncheon...
but I know we haven't
been properly introduced.
I'm Edith Bouvier Beale
and you're Max Gordon!
Thank you, I've had a few of these
and I started to wonder.
I hear you're on the lookout
for the next great actress.
Well, I am casting
a new musical this summer.
I just adore musicals
and I do terrific dances.
"We all march together
for love is behind.
We all march together, united we die.
We all march together,
cause we love the land.
It's the spirit of VMI."
I was doing
the "VMI Marching Song"...
which is a ground maneuver
and when I do that, see...
that's when the plane goes by.
You're quite the comedienne,
you're funnier than Judy Holliday.
We're holding auditions at
the Guild Theatre at the end of July.
Ring my office, put yourself
on the list for a shot.
Well, I'll try to squeeze it in.
Thank you, Mr Gordon.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Cute gal.
- Miss Beale?
- Yeah?
That was quite the little routine
you put on in there.
Why, thank you, Mr...
Kruge.
Please call me Cap, everybody does.
Cap. That's marvelous.
I was named after my mother.
She's also Edith.
Would you have dinner with me, Edith?
Lunch?
- Dessert?
- You could take me dancing.
Come on, Pinky.
658 dollars and forty-eight cents
to the Maidstone Club.
- Edith, let's just cancel it.
- No.
When Edie comes home,
she'll want to go.
- Edith, she's not coming home.
- Well, don't say that.
I'll pay for it out of
the Bouvier trust.
Next.
Here's one from P.C. Schenck and Sons
for 89.27...
for the heating oil.
Send that one to my husband.
Yeah. I already did last month.
- Your husband's wife sent it back.
- I am not in the mood...
for this, Gould.
Not now. We'll finish later.
Gould?
Yes, Edith?
You know I'd be lost without you.
And I, you, darling.
Like a moth to the flame.
And what's a moth without a flame?
- Dancing isn't exactly my forte.
- You're doing just fine.
So, what's he like?
- Who?
- President Truman!
Well, he and I didn't see
eye-to-eye on certain things...
so I...
stepped down from his cabinet.
I just adore politics.
How is it you haven't been snapped up
by some eligible bachelor yet, Edith?
I have sworn off bachelors.
What do you have against bachelors?
They're boring, inconsiderate,
pig-headed, stubborn...
spoiled momma's boys who think
they have a premium on women...
which unfortunately they have...
there being so many
of us girls around.
Hang on.
But one has got to make the most
in a difficult situation...
and that's why women in desperation
have turned to the married man.
Married men
are generous and discreet...
they don't make a fuss,
they don't stick around...
and they let you have
a career if you want one.
Most girls would be jealous.
Most girls aren't Edith Beale.
All I want in life, Mr Kruge,
is a dance partner.
Goodbye, Edith.
Oh my gosh, you're like
a bull in a china shop.
- Do you wanna get caught?
- I'm sorry.
Oh God. If they find you here,
I'll be out on the streets...
no questions asked.
What's that?
Cap...
it's divine.
But it's far too generous.
It suits you.
So, you've bought me now, is that it?
Of course not, Ede.
I just love to see you shine.
It's exciting.
Don't.
I ate too much.
I have to lose weight
before the audition.
My angel, Cap.
Whoever said you can't have it all.
It wasn't Edith Beale.
- Hello, Mother.
- Edie?
Yeah.
- What was that?
- I just knocked over a glass.
Have you replied to Mrs Cabot's
party invitation yet?
No. I mean yes. I sent my regrets.
I don't wanna travel all the way out
to East Hampton for just one party.
Well, it wouldn't be
just for that, I hope.
- I miss you, chicken.
- I miss you too, Mother.
But I really must go.
It's just that I'm... pressing
my blouse and it's going to burn.
Well, it's a bit late to go out now.
Oh no, mother.
It's burning.
Edie?
Tomorrow. We'll talk again tomorrow.
No, Edie?
Well, I love you too, Edie.
Can you believe he said I was
funnier than Judy Holliday?
And prettier.
He didn't say that.
Well...
he should have.
I flirt...
but it's all talk.
Mostly.
I wish I had met you before.
Cap.
She knows that I'm here.
Indeed.
- Yes, mother?
- Listen, babe, I was thinking...
- Were you running?
- No, I just...
got out of the tub
and ran to the phone.
Have you got a man there, Edie?
No, of course not.
But so what if I had?
Well, why don't you bring him home?
I'd like to meet this nice young man.
No, stop pressuring me
to come home. I'm getting work.
And I'm just about to
get an audition with...
are you sitting down?
Max Gordon. The Max Gordon!
I danced for him and
he went to pieces.
- He's married.
- Well, I don't know...
if he's married, but
what does that matter?
Mr Gordon is a very...
- prominent producer.
- No, Edie.
I don't mean him.
I mean your visitor.
He's married, isn't he?
- Mother.
- No, Edie...
married men will only
break your heart.
I'm fine. I'm happier
than I've ever been.
You know that stress
makes your hair fall out.
Remember?
Mother. I've gotta go.
I think she's on to us!
- Phelan? It's me.
- Yes?
I have some news.
Now, is this about the check...
- because...
- No, it's not about the bills.
It's about your daughter.
Miss Beale? Your father's here.
He's waiting downstairs
for you in the lobby.
- Oh my God, we fell asleep.
- Oh God.
Here.
- Do you remember this?
- May I see that, please?
The villain of the piece.
"To my best friend and
most delightful comrade.
To my only sweetheart
and wonderful wife...
I tender this likeness
of her husband.
Phelan Beale, 1929"
Did I laugh when I read that?
Aren't kids terrible?
I just roared.
I lived alone at least
thirty years. I didn't mind.
You get to be very independent
when you live alone.
You get to be a real individual.
You can't have your cake
and eat it too in life.
Yes, I did. I did.
I had my cake, loved it,
masticated it, chewed it.
- I had everything I wanted.
- She was bored.
- She couldn't stand it.
- No, I was not!
I was a great singer.
I had a perfect marriage,
beautiful children.
I had a terribly successful marriage.
No, I never had a fight in my life.
I never threw anything
at Mr Beale, never.
No, I never...
never had words with...
with Mr Beale at all.
Edie, why don't you show
the Maysles the beach?
Do you boys want to see the ocean?
- Sure.
- Come on.
Tickets, please.
Thank you, Sir.
Now, Edie, this will
be better for you.
You can swim, fresh air. It's too hot
in town. You love the ocean.
Edie, please.
Edie.
Please say goodbye.
Good evening, Grey Gardens.
I'll have a look to see
if Mrs Beale is at home.
Thank you, Molly, I've got it.
- This is Mrs Beale.
- May I speak with Edith, please?
- To whom am I speaking?
- Julius Kruge.
A Mr Julius Kruge for you, dear.
Cap?
What happened to you?
I'm stuck here at my mother's house.
Are you all right?
- I'm fine.
- Okay.
When are you gonna be back?
Well, that's just it, I don't know.
I have my audition
on Tuesday morning.
I just have to make it back by then.
Well, I'll take you to lunch
afterwards to celebrate.
Meet me at the Hampshire House.
- Cap?
- Yes, Edie?
I...
I know.
- Me too.
- Cap.
Never say that right after
I say that, okay?
I never wanna have to wonder
if you thought you had to say it.
But I didn't say it.
Right.
I'll see you there.
Good night.
Goodbye.
He sounded awfully married to me.
Edie!
Edie, come here!
What's wrong, mother?
Where have you been, woman?
Paris, mother.
Look, kitties, little baby kitties.
- Marvelous.
- Here. Look at this one.
- And this one.
- Poor old Pink.
She must be starving.
Pinky, are you hungry?
We're out of cat food.
I'll go into town, get some more.
Edie!
Get some ice cream! We'll celebrate.
Yes, Mother darling.
"We all march together,
for love is divine."
Give that to Mr Kruge right away.
And your name, Miss?
- Darling, do you have the room?
- Judy Holliday.
Of course.
Cap!
Are you trying to
sabotage my marriage?
- What do you mean?
- My wife loved your poem, Edith.
Well, I didn't know she was here.
Please, save the innocent
surprise routine for Max Gordon.
I told you to meet me
at the Hampshire House tomorrow.
It was a mistake.
Look, I can't do this
anymore. At all.
Cap, what we have
between us is special.
What we had between us was sex.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye, Edith.
- Edie?
- Mother?
Edie, where are you?
I'm in New York, mother.
I was apoplectic.
I looked up my beau.
He...
Edie.
Edie, he left you.
- Come home, Edie.
- But I have my audition tomorrow.
Well, you're in
no condition for that.
- No, there'll be another chance.
- But Mother, it's Max Gordon.
Edie.
Max Gordon will wait for talent.
Come home and recuperate.
Let me take care of you.
Edie?
Edie, come home.
Come home, Edie.
Edie?
Is that you?
Did you bring the cat food?
And the ice cream?
It melted.
Just look at that face.
These are some of the most
beautiful kitties in the world.
I could just elope
with these kitties.
Put them in a big basket
and elope with them.
Aren't they gorgeous? Look.
Edie?
Let's breed cats, Edie.
Wouldn't that be fun?
Yeah.
You get some rest, babe.
Isn't this a treat?
I haven't been out to the beach
in absolutely forever.
The only reason Mother
is letting me out...
is because of you two fellas.
I think my days at
Grey Gardens are limited.
I don't wanna be here.
I can't stand a country house
in the first place.
Makes me terribly nervous.
I'm scared to death of doors,
locks...
people roaming around
in the background...
under the trees and in the bushes.
I'm absolutely terrified.
I'm not a bit terrified
in the city. Not a bit.
Any little rat's nest in New York...
any little mouse hole,
any little rat hole...
even on Tenth Avenue,
I would like better.
Good afternoon, Grey Gardens.
No, buddy, it's me.
How are you? My boy.
I was just thinking of you.
Come in.
Buddy called.
Your father's died.
The funeral's...
here in town on Tuesday.
I never said goodbye.
His wife got all of it,
Buddy, every cent?
Most of it, yes.
What little Father did leave you
was put into a trust.
What's that supposed to mean?
That I'm not responsible enough
to manage it myself?
Who oversees this trust?
Buddy and I are the trustees.
Well then, you can contest the will.
There's... not that much
there, Mother. And...
frankly, lawyer's fees
would just eat it all up.
But don't worry. You and
Edie will continue...
to receive your monthly stipend.
That barely covers the groceries
and the long-distance bill.
He's had me living on one
hundred and fifty dollars a month...
for the last ten years.
If we increase your allowance...
your money will just
run out that much sooner.
Which is why Buddy and I have found
a nice place in Marco Island...
that you could afford
if you were to sell Grey Gardens.
I'd love to move to
a hot little island.
Someone's finally singing my song.
- No more horrid winters.
- Yeah...
and there wouldn't be nearly
the upkeep this place requires.
What do you say?
It would be good for
your back, Mother darling.
Your arthritis isn't
getting any better.
You could get a place, all on
one level, no stairs to climb.
I could work on my nightclub routine.
Yeah, you could even afford
to hire some help, mother.
We've worked it all out.
Maybe travel or meet somebody.
I'm not selling
Grey Gardens, chickens.
Are you sure you don't
want to spend the night here?
It's such a long drive...
- back to Glenn Cove.
- See, you're not understanding.
Your trust won't last forever
and we can't afford...
to fix this place up for you.
All you have to do is sign
this Power of Attorney form.
We'll take care of everything.
Grey Gardens is in my name.
It always has been.
That's not gonna change.
The only way I'm ever leaving
Grey Gardens is feet first.
Eventually, you'll
be forced to leave.
Edie?
Oh God!
No.
Oh no.
Edie, stop! Put that down.
Oh my!
No, baby. No!
Oh no.
Edie.
My baby.
You gotta go on.
Chicken, you gotta go on in life.
Even when you've lost your song.
Come on.
I'll take you to bed.
Come on, sweetheart.
Just think of the hat opportunities
this presents, babe.
What did you think when Edie
came back from The Barbizon?
I had to build her up.
She was very sick.
And...
I was happy to do it.
She was sick?
Oh... yeah.
Very delicate...
and...
very ill.
She was very delicate...
very bad.
I don't like delicate women.
I hate 'em.
They can't have babies,
they can't do anything.
But I didn't know I came back
to give Gould a vacation!
- Yes, he wanted a vacation.
- But I didn't know that!
Now, listen, that...
You're wasting...
that thing on this
because this is just nuts!
How long am I going to be on display?
I'm not in the mood anymore.
Well, you're doing great, Mrs Beale.
I suppose mother didn't want me
to have anybody that was decent.
You understand.
"Under brilliant sunshine,
a steady stream of...
some two hundred world statesmen...
follow a black-veiled
Jacqueline Kennedy...
as she walks in silent dignity...
behind the coffin of
her slain husband.
A hushed silence has fallen across
the thousands of bystanders...
who line the route of
the funeral procession...
as they catch their first glimpse
of President Kennedy's children...
Little Caroline and John,
dressed in their best coats...
holding their mother's hand and
surrounded by a sea of black.
John-John's third birthday is today.
It is twelve o'clock
here in Washington...
as Mrs Kennedy leads her children
up the cathedral steps...
and into the west door of
St. Matthews for the service."
Course I'm mad about animals,
but raccoons and cats...
become a little bit boring.
I mean for too long a time.
I don't know.
I better check on
Mother and the cats.
She's a lot of fun,
I hope she doesn't die.
I'd hate to spend
another winter here though.
Oh God, another winter.
This is private property, you know.
You shouldn't be here.
Miss Beale, I'm the head
of the housing...
and sanitation division of
the Suffolk County Health Department.
And this is my deputy.
How you do, Miss Beale?
We've received several complaints.
From whom?
Mostly from people downwind of you.
The community's concerned with
the state of your property.
Starting with this automobile
in the yard here.
Look, things just tend to accumulate
after Labor Day, what can I tell you?
Right. Well, we also
understand that...
you may have no heat,
no running water...
and your home is no longer fit
for human or even animal habitation.
Who put you up to this?
Was it my rotten brothers?
We need to inspect your home
for possible health code violations.
Have you got a search warrant?
- Well, no.
- Well, mother and I...
appreciate your concern, but you
really shouldn't have come.
If this place isn't
thoroughly cleaned up...
we'll have no choice
but to take legal action...
to force you and
your mother to vacate!
What do you mean
the trust has run out?
Completely?
Buddy. How?
No! No Florida.
We have been clients...
of P.C. Schenck and Sons
for over fifty years.
Does that not count
for anything at all?
Well, yes, when you have
a reversal of fortune, sir...
what do you hope will happen to you?
Hello?
Hello?
Edie, call the grocer, I'm starving.
Mother, they've cut us off.
Well, can you get the heating guy
back? It's getting cold.
He won't come. We owe him nine
hundred and fourty-seven dollars.
Go to bed with him if you have to.
Winter's just around the corner.
Everyone, just hold here, okay.
Miss Beale?
Miss Beale, we're back
and we need to speak to you.
It's the authorities.
I'll be down just as soon as
I put on some lipstick!
Just stay here, I'll
take care of everything.
Edie, don't let them in.
- Hello.
- What?
Here's the inspection warrant
you were asking for, Miss Beale.
Diseased cats. We're not
harboring any diseased cats.
Well, that's what
we're here to determine.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- Wait! No!
- No, you can't go in there!
- Sheez.
Okay, a couple of you check in there.
Don't go up there!
- Oh my God!
- Get out of this house!
- Get out of my mother's house!
- Edie!
Someone get a cage, please.
Watch your step through here.
Is that a raccoon?
Look at the size of that thing.
My gosh.
Edie!
Get out of our house!
I can't stand this mean,
nasty Republican town.
I mean, where else
but in East Hampton...
do you have to pay to get
your garbage taken away?
There's someone out there.
There's no one out there.
It's all in your head, kid.
I think he has a camera.
You need to get dressed,
Mother darling.
You don't want the whole world
to see you looking like that.
What do you mean the whole world?
There's no one here but us chickens.
I think your staunch daughter
just came up with a solution...
to our vexing situation.
You're not gonna get a very good
picture from all the way back here.
I'm sorry, I was...
Please don't call the police!
The police? Mother thought
we should invite you in for tea.
You want me to stand here?
- Like this?
- Yeah, right there.
- I'll just stay here.
- That's marvelous.
You taking pictures of me?
Yes, Mrs Beale.
Did you photograph the carved
banisters and panel doors?
Only a student of architecture could
fully appreciate details like that.
You're gonna publish
these photographs, right?
- They'll definitely be published.
- Great.
Who is it? Who's there?
Aunt Edie. It's Jacqueline.
Jacqueline! I was just
thinking about you.
We'll be right down.
Jacqueline.
We weren't expecting you.
I... sorry to have
come over unannounced...
but your phone's been disconnected.
That... cat is going
to the bathroom...
right in the back of
your portrait, Aunt Edith.
Edie's a little...
not much of a...
cleaner. She's...
she doesn't like to
polish and do things like that.
Why don't we all go sit out
in the walled garden?
It's such a beautiful day.
You've always had such gorgeous hair.
It's wonderful to see you.
What brings you to
East Hampton, Jacqueline?
I needed to get away, so I
decided to stay with Lee...
in Montauk for a few days.
Lee's in Montauk?
I've got a niece in Montauk
and I didn't know.
She's staying at Andy Warhol's place.
My sister's fallen in with
a bit of a film crowd.
She's got her mind
set on making a movie...
about our childhoods
out here in East Hampton.
Well, if you ever need
a place to stay, chicken...
if you need
to get away from it all...
the door is always open.
Oh God, these chairs.
Are they dirty, these chairs?
We can sit on paper.
Jacqueline, did you...
Did you receive
our condolences after that...
that terrible thing with Jack?
I meant to thank you.
I'm sorry.
You've had quite a rough go
of it, haven't you?
I don't think I was ever really
cut out for public life.
Such... scrutiny.
No judgments here, Jacqueline.
Thank you, Aunt Edie.
You two have always
been so warm to me.
Edie, are you all right?
Is it true that Jack Kennedy...
- gave you gonorrhea?
- Edie!
I'm terribly sorry, Jacqueline.
Do you remember Jack's brother,
Joe Kennedy, Jr.?
No, Edie, he died in the war
years before I even met Jack.
When he died, I cried. I really did.
Joe was an extraordinarily
beautiful young man.
I was really taken by him.
Yes, too bad he wasn't taken by you.
He certainly was.
It's no secret they were
grooming him to be President...
before they ever started
looking to Jack.
He was a superb dancer,
he really was.
But it was his manners
I remember most.
Well, you know what
I'll always remember?
Summers, here in East Hampton...
with Aunt Edie singing and you
taking me down to the beach.
I was the golden girl.
- You certainly were.
- Edie?
Get us some pate, won't you?
You know, if Joe hadn't
gone down in the war...
then I certainly would
have married him...
- and then I'd have be...
- Edie, don't!
Now, just... get us some pate
or ice cream or something.
I'd have become First Lady
and not you.
Yes, Jacqueline.
It could have been me.
I wish it had been you, Edie.
I really do.
Grey Gardens.
I hardly recognize it.
Buddy said you won't
let them sell it.
They're lovely boys,
but they don't understand.
I don't think I do either.
Grey Gardens...
is my home.
It's the only place...
where I feel completely myself.
You have extraordinary
determination, Aunt Edie.
You don't have to worry.
Ari and I are going to help you
get things all straightened out.
Lee can supervise everything
since she's so close by.
I had no idea, really.
Oh dear, no.
I could never ask you
to do something like that.
Well, you didn't.
I'm offering. Insisting, in fact.
"It should have been me."
You never dated Joe Kennedy.
What a whopper.
I met him at a house party...
- at Princeton.
- Exactly.
You met him, but you weren't
going to marry him, that's clear.
Well, I might have,
Mother darling. I might have.
- You wanna take my picture?
- Of course this has all been...
- very hard on me.
- Take it right here.
- All these people in my house.
- This is the original porch...
- of the house.
- The threat of eviction...
- presumably over.
- Taking down...
sixty-year-old English ivy.
- What's going on?
- Edie?
- That would be good. What?
- Edie!
Don't let them take anything
out of my house.
What's in that bag?
Edie, what's he going
to do with that rug?
Lee, what's going on?
- Is this a movie?
- What's he taking out?
This is Albert and David Maysles.
David and Al, it's
very nice to meet you.
Are you with Lee and Jackie?
We are.
Come on, let's go inside
for a second.
There's nothing wrong with that rug.
- Hey, we have any more of those?
- Yeah.
If Edie were any good,
if she were any good at all...
This is all soft-shoe now, you know.
This is a dance. Come on, Edie.
I used to do it myself, you know.
I did that...
soft-shoe.
"To see us or hear us"
"No friends or relations
on weekend vacations"
"We won't have it known, dear,
that we own a telephone"
"No, no, no"
"But I'll awake"
"And start to bake a sugar cake"
"Ooh, see, for all the girls to see"
"We can raise a family"
"A girl for you a boy for me"
"Oh, can't you see
how happy we would be"
Dance to that, Edie!
It's a waltz. Come on, get Edie up.
Dance, a waltz!
How can you resist it?
How can you resist that?
"La-la-la"
"La... dah, ah, ah"
"Oh, can't you see"
"How happy we would be"
"Would be"
Isn't that a beautiful chord?
Darling David, where
have you been all my life?
Where have you been?
The only thing I needed was this man.
- Edie?
- What?
What'd you say, Edie?
All I needed was this man, David!
I wish I had David and Al
with me before this.
Yeah, well, you had your mother.
Yeah.
But they're more interesting!
David, Al...
it's an artistic smash.
Thank you, Edie. Well,
and it's not finished yet.
That is only one one-hundredth
of what it'll look...
and sound like when we're done.
Well, I'll have to call up
every one of my relatives...
and tell them I'll never
speak to them again...
if they don't go to see it.
Edie, have you seen Whiskers?
Where's that kitty?
That's Mother's new favorite cat.
Ears like a Russian borscht.
She just loves him
and he disappeared.
Now, David, this film
is very advanced...
just like the way that
the New Wave changed cinema.
Although I never did get out
to see the New Wave.
Oh my God, abroad!
They're gonna love it in Europe.
Do you think you can
make it to the premiere?
We could really use you there.
No. I don't think so.
That's not for me,
not my kind of thing.
But I wish you
all the luck in the world.
Edie, we're gonna see you
at the premiere, right?
We're gonna paint
the town red together.
If you don't win ninety prizes for
this movie, I'll be very surprised.
Thank you.
Goodbye, Al.
Goodbye, Edie.
- Goodbye, David.
- Goodbye, Edie.
You were magnificent, Mother darling.
- You stole the show.
- I looked fat.
Didn't Grey Gardens look terrific?
Help me into my rolling chair.
I can't stand up any longer.
I would think I'll just be
having to travel all of the time.
Paris, London.
Rome. Finally.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
And the premiere,
that'll be something.
I wouldn't go to that
premiere if I were you.
But mother, you heard Al.
They need me there.
That film is a work of art.
Well...
I think it would
be a terrible mistake.
Besides, you've already seen it.
Why don't you put on that
orchestration of "Tea for Two"?
Why would it be a mistake?
I don't think you see yourself
the way others see you.
You're a...
I'm what?
You're an acquired taste, babe.
Now, let's just forget
the whole thing, okay?
Now, go get that record.
We need some music.
Whiskers?
Whiskers?
Whiskers?
You just can't stand
that the whole world...
is going to know the truth.
About what?
About how you've held me
back all these years.
It's all in that picture.
Did we just watch the same movie?
I'm going to that premiere.
You don't leave.
You say you will, but you never do.
Now, let's have that song.
No! It's not gonna work
this time. This is my chance.
- Don't you see that?
- No, you had your chance...
- and you missed out!
- Yeah!
- Because I had to come home...
- No.
- to take care of you.
- That married man...
was not going to do anything...
- for you at all, Edie.
- And you...
stuck me in this goddamn house!
Nobody stuck anybody anywhere.
If you're stuck, Edie,
it's only with yourself!
Edie!
Edie?
Edie!
Whiskers.
You ran away, boy?
Mother was apoplectic.
She needs you.
Edie? Is that you?
My heart. Bring him here.
Now, why did you run away
the way you did?
Whiskers.
I won't go to New York.
I got it all wrong, didn't I?
It was all my fault, wasn't it?
I should have let you
stay in New York.
I could have gone anytime.
Edie, I need your help.
- Here. Take my hand.
- No.
In the closet, under the stairs...
there's a little yellow box.
It's hidden back behind.
I want you to get it for me.
Go on, go get it.
Can you find it, Edie?
Your wedding jewels.
You've kept these all this time?
I was saving them for you.
You should have sold them.
God knows we needed the money.
Things could have been different.
There's nothing to regret.
Besides, they weren't mine to sell.
They've always been yours.
You can wear them to that premiere.
Okay, old gal.
I said nothing but sensible sentences
in that picture, didn't I?
Yes, Mother. You're a star.
- No, you're a star.
- No, you're a star.
Go on inside.
So, Edie, how'd it go, chicken?
"Mrs Beale, this is Walter Goodman
of the New York Times.
I was wondering if
you had any comments...
on the Maysles' "Grey Gardens"."
No, Mr Goodman.
It's all in the movie.
"Mrs Beale?"
It's all in the movie.
Will you sing us another song, Edie?
Do you really want me to? Okay.
"Tea for two and two for tea"
"You for me and me for you"
"Da-da-da, da-da-da-di, da-dum"
"Da-da-da, no friends or relations"
"Da-da-da-da, on weekend vacations"
"We won't have it known, dear"
"That we own a telephone, dear"
"I'll awake and start to bake"
"A sugar cake"
"For all the world to see"
"We will raise a family"
"A girl for you, a boy for me"
"Can't you see"
"How happy we will be"
Thank you. All I can say is...
Happy New Year!
No animals were harmed
in the making of this movie.