Santos Dumont (2019) s01e04 Episode Script
Mais Pesado que o Ar (Heavier-Than-Air)
1 Episode 4 HEAVIER-THAN-AIR My condolences, madame.
My condolences, madame.
Are you Henri Lachambre? The designer of the North Pole expedition balloon? That depends.
Are you here to blame me for André's death? No, no! Certainly not! I want to fly a balloon.
Then, it's nice to meet you.
Henri Lachambre.
I've read your book five times, cover to cover.
It changed my life.
Did it make you want to be an adventurer, like André? No, I want to be an engineer, like you.
And you want to fly a balloon? How much is a flight? - 250 francs.
- It's a deal! Up to now, I've always been asked 500 or more, for possible damages.
Do you know why I charge you less? My equipment is damage-proof.
Your final voyage.
Bon voyage, maestro.
Santos please.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- How's the Aeroclub doing? - Fine, fine.
I'd like your opinion on something we're discussing.
I've said the death of our dear Lachambre is symbolic.
The great balloon designer died alongside his artifacts, to make room for the new invention, the heavier-than-air vessel.
What would you say? This conversation doesn't seem appropriate for a wake.
- No offense was meant by it - Excuse me.
I'm still in shock.
Of course.
But I'd really like to have your opinion.
You haven't said a word about the heavier-than-air craft.
That's all we've been talking about.
In all honesty? I have nothing to say.
Excuse me.
I've just seen someone.
Please, go ahead.
He won't say a word about it, but I need to know.
- Good evening, madame.
- Evening, Julien.
Good night, master Jorge.
Welcome! Thank you.
Sorry we're late.
- We missed you.
- Me too.
- You're so tall! - Yes.
Did I tell you how I stumbled into a mine, and a miner threatened to shoot me? Yes, Uncle Alberto.
Several times.
What about the heavier-than-air? - What about it? - How does it work? You too, Jorge? I don't understand what I saw in a Portuguese newspaper.
As you know, the balloon is full of hydrogen.
Hot air is lighter than the air in the atmosphere, therefore it floats.
But the heavier-than-air craft is different.
How do I put it simply? The friction against the wind pushes the craft upwards.
Then it has to stay afloat all by itself.
That means that instead of floating, it actually has to fly.
- Like a bird? - Like a bird.
But, have you ever tried to imitate a bird? Indeed It's not that easy.
I bet that if I help you, we can do it.
Definitely.
Jorge, it's bedtime, son.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Still in love with those machines? Of course.
So why did you stop designing them? You've been idle for months.
I've lagged behind.
Is it because Aida's gone? Stronger winds have failed to topple you.
Virginia, can we talk about something else? I worry about you, Alberto.
Invention was your life and you stopped all of a sudden.
Are you okay? Let me show you something.
What's this? I didn't stop inventing.
I've been working for months on a heavier-than-air craft.
How come it's not in the papers? This time I decided to work secretly, so only I will know if it's a fiasco.
You need to tell someone in case you need help.
When I'm ready to test something that's the actual size.
- Good evening, Mr.
Dumont.
- Maître.
Sadly, your table has been taken, but we can get it back for you.
No, they seem to be enjoying themselves.
- Is over there okay? - Perfect.
Thanks, Charles.
Santos Dumont! I'm one of your biggest fans, and yet I've never met you.
Sem And? - This is Blériot.
- Yes.
The guy closest to flying on a heavier-than-air.
It's always good to know there are new people motivated to push forward our line of science.
Totally! I'd love to hear your opinion about my projects.
Louis, Santos is brilliant, but he only works with balloons.
I doubt he'd have something to say about new airship inventions.
No, no, the colonel is right.
Actually, it's you who would have a lot to teach me.
I doubt that, Mr.
Santos.
Blériot will compete for the Archdeacon Prize.
- Yes.
- To win, you'll need to cover over 25m in a heavier-than-air.
Really? Good luck.
I won't need it.
Let me tell you why.
Please, don't let him tell that story again.
You love that story, Sem! Do you know how I met my wife? No? I saw her in a restaurant.
I then said to my mother: "Either I marry that woman" "Or I'll marry no one.
" "Or I'll marry no one.
" Exactly.
I got her address, and every day, I'd bring her a rose, until she accepted to see me.
First she called me crazy, of course, but we were married six months later.
- You wore her out.
- Exactly! I hope it works for the heavier-than-air.
- So do I.
- It was a pleasure, Mr? Blériot.
The pleasure was all mine.
- Santos, can we join you? - Can we? - Please, do.
- Sem.
Santos Dumont, a great little guy.
Why did you have to mock Blériot? Who, me? But I didn't.
Sem, he doesn't seem to have the brains of a great inventor.
You're mistaken.
He's the new generation.
You decided to stop, whereas he adopted your legacy.
Him? Blériot? I'm not so sure of that.
- Boss.
We're here.
- Come in! I must say all this looks very fishy to me.
What are we doing here at this late hour? Sorry about that.
I didn't want the Aeroclub to know I was in my hangar.
That only makes it more mysterious.
I have a secret.
That's true.
For months now, I've been working on a heavier-than-air model.
Really? I knew it! If someone is to invent the heavier-than-air, it might as well be me, right? But we know nothing about that.
Nobody knows anything, because nobody's flown one.
And that Blériot guy certainly won't.
- And Lilienthal? - Lilienthal.
He died because he threw his craft off a cliff, Nuno.
I'm taking off from the ground.
Count me in, boss.
Nuno? - Let's do it.
- Thanks! Now, we're going to need another kind of material.
If you'll allow me They say it's Debussy's favorite wine, sir.
I hope it won't make me sleepy, as his music does.
Lovely bottle.
Thanks.
It's nice to see you, Sem, but I'd like to know why you're here.
- Really? - Yes.
Curiosity got the better of you.
I have no idea what you mean, sir.
I'm just here to see a good friend.
Yes, definitely.
- Here it is! - And the real thing? You'll see the Blériot 2 at the launching.
- Was this thing your idea? - No.
It's mine.
Sem, meet Gabriel Voisin.
Glider whiz kid, and my secret weapon.
The glider carries my name, but the real genius Is him, I'm just his assistant.
And he's modest too.
He comes from Archdeacon's group, for whom he built gliders.
All the members of the Aeroclub wanted him.
But my smile won him over.
- And your genius.
- And my deep pockets, of course.
- A pleasure to meet you, Mr.
Voisin.
- The pleasure is mine.
- A drink? - Sure.
Can we have the wine later? I'd like to discuss the project.
Very well, sir.
Just a sec.
He's so keen about it.
- Excuse us.
- Make yourself at home.
JULY 18th, 1905 So Why this sudden interest in Blériot's experiments? The good thing about not being an engineer anymore is, you get to use other people's inventions.
If I didn't know you, I'd say you're checking out the competition.
Am I wrong? - Who's the pilot? - Gabriel Voisin.
He reminds me of you.
May Saint Benedict protect him.
No! No! What a shame.
- Santos? - Sem! - Where's the envelope? - What? On your sketch, where's the balloon you'll fill up with gas to fly? I'm just messing around.
To what do I owe the pleasure of your intrusion, I mean, your visit? Since you're only messing around How about a show? They say she's from Indonesia, the Orient.
And that she's amazingly sexy.
- Really? - Yes.
And, you're a celebrity.
So maybe we could get to see her after the show.
- I can't promise anything.
- I never ask you for anything.
They're here too.
I didn't know they'd be here.
What is it? Does that upset you? Did you know that on my first day in Paris I watched your Baladeuse fly right over my head? I could say I remember having seen you from up there.
But I'd be lying.
At that very moment, I decided Paris was for me.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
When will I see you flying a new invention? Santos isn't interested in inventing anything new.
He has passed the torch to these two guys.
Allow me to introduce them.
Gentlemen.
A pleasure, Miss.
They are Blériot and Voisin.
They're working on a heavier-than-air craft.
I've never heard of that, but I have heard of you guys.
I'm so pleased to meet you.
The pleasure is all mine.
Ours.
Shouldn't we take some photos with Mata Hari and the new glider? Good idea, Sem.
I fear I'll go unnoticed next to your machine.
I doubt it.
- You were magnificent.
- Thank you.
Extra! Extra! Read all about it, ladies and gentlemen! Come, come, read all about it in L'Avis! - May I have one, please? - Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Is that you? Not this time.
Extra! Extra! Get the newspaper with all the latest news! Great.
Extra! Extra! Sorry to say so, boss, but this thing will never fly.
Don't you worry, Chapin.
It will fly in due time.
The engine makes all the difference.
I'd be very surprised.
Stop it.
It's just an aerodynamic test.
Go on.
Go on.
Please, Chapin, a little further.
Further, further.
Stop! Stop! You can go.
Let go! Damn! Damn! - I told you so, boss.
- Nice try.
It needs some minor adjustments.
It's not flying.
Let's try one more time.
I told you.
But nobody wants to believe me.
- We can try again, right? - No! No? No.
We must admit we failed.
Number 11 will fly no more.
What now? What do we do, boss? Move on to the next project.
But this time, we do it my way.
How can I ever thank you? For example, you could keep on being my customer.
Certainly.
I'm sorry, I was sure my future was in balloons.
It's such a shame that balloon flights have simply plateaued.
There's no future in them.
Sure there is.
The next step is being able to steer it, being able to guide the balloon.
You have no idea as to the force of the winds up there.
Engines are no match for the forces of Nature.
That's still to be seen.
We'll be doing something completely new.
While everybody focuses on George Cayley's ideas, we'll use another genius' work.
Da Vinci.
I saw a painting of his.
Yes.
But he was also an inventor, with a different notion as to what a flying machine should be.
I feel quite confident this is the way to go.
- If you say so.
- Look at my sketches.
That's crazy.
But so was the airship.
Exactly.
So, let's get to work.
Come on, Nuno.
Unbelievable, Da Vinci.
Excuse me, sir.
A letter from Miss De Acosta.
- Put it on my nightstand.
- Yes, sir.
- Julien! - Sir? Give me that letter.
"Dear Santos.
I hope things are going just fine in Paris, and that you're not missing me too much.
I'm writing because I'm worried about you.
Sem recently wrote me, saying you're cooped up in there.
He says you're not working anymore, and you won't even go out at night.
What's wrong, Alberto? Should I be concerned? With all the love in the world, yours, Aida.
" "Dear Aida.
Know you need not worry about me.
Neither you nor Sem.
If people don't see me anymore, and if I'm not working, it's simply because I feel I have nothing else to prove.
I no longer need to be admired by others.
So there's no need to worry.
I am at peace with myself.
Eternally yours, Santos.
" I've always admired you.
And you must be tired of being admired so much.
Tell me about Brazil.
Brazil? No.
Tell me about Indonesia.
That's where you're from, right? I'm Dutch, Santos.
I just lived in Indonesia for a while.
I made up that whole story to sell more tickets.
And it worked! Stories are a powerful thing.
One's perception of people can be stronger than the truth itself.
That's what I'm finding out.
Santos is more occupied with more important things than aviation.
You're right.
- Would you excuse me a moment? - Certainly.
- Sem! - Santos.
Is everything okay? Of course.
Isn't it quite obvious? Perhaps you feel you can fool everyone with your happy guy charade.
But I know you.
You're jealous, Sem.
Is that it? You know very well you can tell me what's going on, that I won't tell anyone from the Aeroclub.
Don't you? - Excuse me.
- Santos My date's waiting, Sem! They had never seen a balloon.
They took me for an alien.
So many adventures.
Why don't you come with me, and tell me some more stories? Thank you, but tomorrow I start working early.
With such delicate hands, what kind of work do you do? Hands don't always say everything.
Perhaps not everything, but they do say a lot.
This here is the love line.
Please! I understand.
You just used me as a trophy to show your friends.
Don't get me wrong.
It's okay, Santos.
I've met a lot of men like you.
No.
It's not like that.
I really have to work first thing tomorrow morning.
Well, dinner was excellent.
But it's not worth the trouble keeping who you really are from your true friends.
I've seen so many men suffer because of that.
Says the Dutch lady from Indonesia.
Good night.
That doesn't work! We've already tested them! These wings don't work! You saw what happened.
We need oval-shaped wings.
We need an impartial opinion from the experts.
The experts are the competition.
Forget about an honest opinion.
I know someone who's not competing, who's more interested in science than in winning prizes.
My God! You're obsessed with Santos Dumont! He's been left behind.
His opinion is worthless.
That is your biggest mistake! Yours and everyone else's in the Aeroclub! Once a genius, always a genius.
Get to work.
Number 8 propeller.
Note number 5.
A little off balance.
Number 9 propeller.
A fiasco.
Forget it.
Number 10 propeller.
Interesting experiment, Santos.
Propellers thrown from great heights.
Whatever for, I wonder? Can't I entertain my colleagues? For the love of God, Santos.
You're clearly working on a heavier-than-air.
Tell me all about it.
So you can tell your friends at the Aeroclub? Are you here to spy on me? I came to tell you Blériot wishes to speak with you about the heavier-than-air.
You must have a lot to talk about.
No! Nothing! An idle man, like yourself, would look very suspicious if you turn down his invitation.
You should speak with Voisin, he can help you.
I don't need help! I started with balloons, I figured out how to steer them, and now, I'll build a heavier-than-air! I've been through every stage.
You never built a glider.
That's Voisin's forte.
Forget it! Santos, I've seen them up close.
Blériot will never design a heavier-than-air! But Voisin is talented, don't be so stubborn.
Together, you can invent something the world has never seen.
Is this your latest design? I know you saw our last test.
I did.
- I was impressed.
- Thank you.
We have a question for you.
We need your opinion about a detail on the heavier-than-air.
Italy is close to getting one.
And so are the Germans and the Americans.
I guess you'd like this invention to be a French one.
Certainly, but I'm sorry to say I'm not well acquainted with what's going on in that field.
Impossible! A curious mind like yours? Generally speaking, I could say the heavier-than-air is inevitable.
It will shorten distances all over the world.
Stop with the philosophy! We need your practical opinion! - What's the best option? - Easy, Voisin, easy.
I noted the Blériot 2 had parallel wings.
And it crashed in the river with me on board.
We need to decide what's best for the Blériot 3, our first heavier-than-air.
This young man claims oval wings are better.
But gliders show parallel wings.
All my studies on gliders say I'm right.
Well I hate giving my opinion because I might be wrong.
But Blériot I think your assistant is right.
A toast! We can finally move forward with our project.
Very well.
I give up.
Thank you, Mr.
Dumont.
I don't believe I've expressed how much I admire you.
This young man is something, isn't he? He's young, yet wise.
Undoubtedly.
It's thirty times stronger than what we need.
Impossible.
Let's do it again.
It's a new idea, Lachambre.
But that's what I want, injecting new ideas into obsolete habits.
Let's try again.
Stop arguing! See the opportunity this represents.
We'll build a lighter balloon than any other ever designed, you and me.
But where are we going to get that Japanese silk? In Japan, of course.
- Good evening, maître.
- Your table, sir.
Thanks, not today.
Good evening, gentlemen.
Good evening.
Sem.
Can we have a word? About what? I'm working on a heavier-than-air.
- What, Santos? - We need to talk.
I want to meet with Gabriel Voisin.
What for? To yell at him? I apologize for my behavior.
That was a dumb secret to keep.
I gave too much importance to what people think.
- That's the Santos I know.
- Will you help me? Luckily, it's perfect timing.
They tested the Blériot 3 and it sank in the river.
Good! - Good morning.
- Welcome.
I heard about what you said last night.
Is that why I'm here? I want you to work with me.
I know I can build a heavier-than-air craft, but I need someone with experience in gliders.
Your offer flatters me.
But no, thanks.
Blériot is a great engineer, and we work well together.
Blériot isn't focused on his research.
Sorry, Mr.
Santos.
Wait, wait! At least look at my designs.
A front rudder? Interesting, but it won't work.
Sorry, I see nothing convincing in your notes.
Good luck.
May the best guy win.
Don't worry.
It'll work out.
This kite will fly, right? Yes, it will.
You do it.
What a sight! Santos Dumont, a once ambitious inventor, now flies a kite in front of his hangar.
- I enjoy flying kites.
- So, how are you? You were right, Sem.
They are the new generation.
I understand.
It's sad it all ended like this, but I understand.
We all get tired after a while.
Yes.
I am tired.
At any rate, that suits you just fine.
Any new projects? - I'm working on an airship.
- An airship? It's obsolete, I know, but it's just for me.
For fun.
How was your flight? Perfect.
The easiest flight I ever had.
I knew we could revamp the airship.
Now what? I can't wait to see the next project.
Trust me, Nuno.
The next one will be the most impressive of all.
- Bravo, boss! - Thanks, Chapin.
He listened to me, Chapin.
Great.
Ask him for a raise.
You look happy, satisfied.
I think the lack of pressure agrees with me.
You could spend some time with us in Portugal.
Sounds great.
But I have business to attend in Paris.
What, Uncle? You'll see.
Ridiculous! I had never seen anything like it.
Unbelievable.
Gentlemen.
- Blériot, how are you? - Fine.
How are you? Good! He quit the heavier-than-air very quickly.
He'll be lucky if it doesn't explode.
What a shame.
Santos, with his built, will always be lighter than air.
Yes, that's right.
The coast is clear now.
It's your turn, Blériot.
Totally.
Julien - Good day, sir.
- Good day.
Voisin? Come in, Voisin! Julien, a towel for Mr.
Voisin.
Hurry, hurry! - Yes, sir.
- To what do I owe your visit? I know what you did.
You didn't make an airship.
You made a tug.
A craft to carry a heavier-than-air.
You think it's a dumb idea? No, it's brilliant.
It's a way to test aerodynamics in practice, with no risks.
That's exactly what we need.
Sorry, I'm not selling it to Blériot or anyone else.
I want to work with you.
Are you sure? I'm leaving Blériot.
And this year, we'll have a heavier-than-air craft.
Your calculations aren't they aren't precise.
Good morning, sir.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I came to see what we're working on today.
On nothing.
Voisin and I will be experimenting for a while.
Take two weeks off.
- You don't need me, Mr.
Santos? - No, Nuno, thanks.
Very well.
So, as I was saying, the machine will be built with box kites.
Fine, but the angle of the wings you propose The rudder goes in front.
That's questionable, but I mean the wings, not the rudder.
The wings are the ones I designed.
Santos, if you won't listen to me, we can't work together.
I've been working on this for six months now! Why am I here if you won't listen to me? Excuse me.
We can do more than that! I've had it with your new project, Santos! It's too crazy.
So, what am I here for? You're here to learn.
I think I've already done enough learning.
Well, you can leave then.
No, I'm staying.
Can we stop arguing for a moment? I need to show you something.
Let's take a walk.
What do you think? About what? - The colors are all wrong.
- Yes! Don't you find it odd? It's definitely odd.
No, it's not odd at all.
It's Henri Matisse.
This is an exhibit of Matisse and his friends.
They call themselves "The fauvists".
I don't know if they'll all make art history, but Matisse will, no doubt about it.
You don't need to show me you're an expert in art.
I just want to show you what's new in Paris.
During your six years abroad, the city never stopped.
Every year, every month, new things arrive here from all over the world.
You were once a novelty, Santos.
Now I am the novelty.
Next year, who knows? I am obsolete.
Is that it? No, far from it.
But you can't ignore some ideas just because they're new.
That's the only way to stay up to speed.
Perhaps you should start using the wrong colors too.
My problem, Voisin, isn't that you're in fashion.
Absolutely not.
But having to listen to someone that's not my style.
That's okay.
Shall we go on? Sure.
I'll show you another room.
Okay.
I think we're ready to put it together.
Good morning.
I don't want to interrupt you.
A front rudder.
Dear God! Voisin, I know it sounds contradictory, but the glider aerodynamics, it's all in there.
The rudder in front is ideal.
It'll fly like a bird.
Got it? Nuno, Chapin, get to work! Careful.
JULY 23rd, 1906 - Voisin.
- Good day, Louis.
I didn't know you worked here.
Sorry I didn't tell you.
I've been working on this for years.
Santos steals my moment, and you're okay with it? Santos stole nothing.
It wasn't your time, Louis.
It's the heavier-than-air time.
And I'll work for whoever's closest to getting it done.
I told you he's still a genius.
- You were right.
- I'm always right, Voisin.
That's it, maestro.
Wish me luck.
And the wisdom to avoid being as stubborn as you were.
THE ARCHDEACON PRIZE SEPTEMBER 13th, 1906 Right here is perfect! Good! Are you ready? It's no longer a secret.
The whole world will witness any mistake.
Nice time to tell me that.
Santos, who cares about them? I know you'll be successful.
Nuno! Come here please.
Yes? I spoke with Voisin.
He's opening a plant to make heavier-than-air craft.
When the technology's right.
He accepted my recommendation of you as his engineer.
What? You did a great job these last few months.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you so much and Mr.
Santos Good luck.
Chapin! That's not enough to win the prize.
Didn't you see what just happened? A man just flew! "Flew"
My condolences, madame.
Are you Henri Lachambre? The designer of the North Pole expedition balloon? That depends.
Are you here to blame me for André's death? No, no! Certainly not! I want to fly a balloon.
Then, it's nice to meet you.
Henri Lachambre.
I've read your book five times, cover to cover.
It changed my life.
Did it make you want to be an adventurer, like André? No, I want to be an engineer, like you.
And you want to fly a balloon? How much is a flight? - 250 francs.
- It's a deal! Up to now, I've always been asked 500 or more, for possible damages.
Do you know why I charge you less? My equipment is damage-proof.
Your final voyage.
Bon voyage, maestro.
Santos please.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- How's the Aeroclub doing? - Fine, fine.
I'd like your opinion on something we're discussing.
I've said the death of our dear Lachambre is symbolic.
The great balloon designer died alongside his artifacts, to make room for the new invention, the heavier-than-air vessel.
What would you say? This conversation doesn't seem appropriate for a wake.
- No offense was meant by it - Excuse me.
I'm still in shock.
Of course.
But I'd really like to have your opinion.
You haven't said a word about the heavier-than-air craft.
That's all we've been talking about.
In all honesty? I have nothing to say.
Excuse me.
I've just seen someone.
Please, go ahead.
He won't say a word about it, but I need to know.
- Good evening, madame.
- Evening, Julien.
Good night, master Jorge.
Welcome! Thank you.
Sorry we're late.
- We missed you.
- Me too.
- You're so tall! - Yes.
Did I tell you how I stumbled into a mine, and a miner threatened to shoot me? Yes, Uncle Alberto.
Several times.
What about the heavier-than-air? - What about it? - How does it work? You too, Jorge? I don't understand what I saw in a Portuguese newspaper.
As you know, the balloon is full of hydrogen.
Hot air is lighter than the air in the atmosphere, therefore it floats.
But the heavier-than-air craft is different.
How do I put it simply? The friction against the wind pushes the craft upwards.
Then it has to stay afloat all by itself.
That means that instead of floating, it actually has to fly.
- Like a bird? - Like a bird.
But, have you ever tried to imitate a bird? Indeed It's not that easy.
I bet that if I help you, we can do it.
Definitely.
Jorge, it's bedtime, son.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Still in love with those machines? Of course.
So why did you stop designing them? You've been idle for months.
I've lagged behind.
Is it because Aida's gone? Stronger winds have failed to topple you.
Virginia, can we talk about something else? I worry about you, Alberto.
Invention was your life and you stopped all of a sudden.
Are you okay? Let me show you something.
What's this? I didn't stop inventing.
I've been working for months on a heavier-than-air craft.
How come it's not in the papers? This time I decided to work secretly, so only I will know if it's a fiasco.
You need to tell someone in case you need help.
When I'm ready to test something that's the actual size.
- Good evening, Mr.
Dumont.
- Maître.
Sadly, your table has been taken, but we can get it back for you.
No, they seem to be enjoying themselves.
- Is over there okay? - Perfect.
Thanks, Charles.
Santos Dumont! I'm one of your biggest fans, and yet I've never met you.
Sem And? - This is Blériot.
- Yes.
The guy closest to flying on a heavier-than-air.
It's always good to know there are new people motivated to push forward our line of science.
Totally! I'd love to hear your opinion about my projects.
Louis, Santos is brilliant, but he only works with balloons.
I doubt he'd have something to say about new airship inventions.
No, no, the colonel is right.
Actually, it's you who would have a lot to teach me.
I doubt that, Mr.
Santos.
Blériot will compete for the Archdeacon Prize.
- Yes.
- To win, you'll need to cover over 25m in a heavier-than-air.
Really? Good luck.
I won't need it.
Let me tell you why.
Please, don't let him tell that story again.
You love that story, Sem! Do you know how I met my wife? No? I saw her in a restaurant.
I then said to my mother: "Either I marry that woman" "Or I'll marry no one.
" "Or I'll marry no one.
" Exactly.
I got her address, and every day, I'd bring her a rose, until she accepted to see me.
First she called me crazy, of course, but we were married six months later.
- You wore her out.
- Exactly! I hope it works for the heavier-than-air.
- So do I.
- It was a pleasure, Mr? Blériot.
The pleasure was all mine.
- Santos, can we join you? - Can we? - Please, do.
- Sem.
Santos Dumont, a great little guy.
Why did you have to mock Blériot? Who, me? But I didn't.
Sem, he doesn't seem to have the brains of a great inventor.
You're mistaken.
He's the new generation.
You decided to stop, whereas he adopted your legacy.
Him? Blériot? I'm not so sure of that.
- Boss.
We're here.
- Come in! I must say all this looks very fishy to me.
What are we doing here at this late hour? Sorry about that.
I didn't want the Aeroclub to know I was in my hangar.
That only makes it more mysterious.
I have a secret.
That's true.
For months now, I've been working on a heavier-than-air model.
Really? I knew it! If someone is to invent the heavier-than-air, it might as well be me, right? But we know nothing about that.
Nobody knows anything, because nobody's flown one.
And that Blériot guy certainly won't.
- And Lilienthal? - Lilienthal.
He died because he threw his craft off a cliff, Nuno.
I'm taking off from the ground.
Count me in, boss.
Nuno? - Let's do it.
- Thanks! Now, we're going to need another kind of material.
If you'll allow me They say it's Debussy's favorite wine, sir.
I hope it won't make me sleepy, as his music does.
Lovely bottle.
Thanks.
It's nice to see you, Sem, but I'd like to know why you're here.
- Really? - Yes.
Curiosity got the better of you.
I have no idea what you mean, sir.
I'm just here to see a good friend.
Yes, definitely.
- Here it is! - And the real thing? You'll see the Blériot 2 at the launching.
- Was this thing your idea? - No.
It's mine.
Sem, meet Gabriel Voisin.
Glider whiz kid, and my secret weapon.
The glider carries my name, but the real genius Is him, I'm just his assistant.
And he's modest too.
He comes from Archdeacon's group, for whom he built gliders.
All the members of the Aeroclub wanted him.
But my smile won him over.
- And your genius.
- And my deep pockets, of course.
- A pleasure to meet you, Mr.
Voisin.
- The pleasure is mine.
- A drink? - Sure.
Can we have the wine later? I'd like to discuss the project.
Very well, sir.
Just a sec.
He's so keen about it.
- Excuse us.
- Make yourself at home.
JULY 18th, 1905 So Why this sudden interest in Blériot's experiments? The good thing about not being an engineer anymore is, you get to use other people's inventions.
If I didn't know you, I'd say you're checking out the competition.
Am I wrong? - Who's the pilot? - Gabriel Voisin.
He reminds me of you.
May Saint Benedict protect him.
No! No! What a shame.
- Santos? - Sem! - Where's the envelope? - What? On your sketch, where's the balloon you'll fill up with gas to fly? I'm just messing around.
To what do I owe the pleasure of your intrusion, I mean, your visit? Since you're only messing around How about a show? They say she's from Indonesia, the Orient.
And that she's amazingly sexy.
- Really? - Yes.
And, you're a celebrity.
So maybe we could get to see her after the show.
- I can't promise anything.
- I never ask you for anything.
They're here too.
I didn't know they'd be here.
What is it? Does that upset you? Did you know that on my first day in Paris I watched your Baladeuse fly right over my head? I could say I remember having seen you from up there.
But I'd be lying.
At that very moment, I decided Paris was for me.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
When will I see you flying a new invention? Santos isn't interested in inventing anything new.
He has passed the torch to these two guys.
Allow me to introduce them.
Gentlemen.
A pleasure, Miss.
They are Blériot and Voisin.
They're working on a heavier-than-air craft.
I've never heard of that, but I have heard of you guys.
I'm so pleased to meet you.
The pleasure is all mine.
Ours.
Shouldn't we take some photos with Mata Hari and the new glider? Good idea, Sem.
I fear I'll go unnoticed next to your machine.
I doubt it.
- You were magnificent.
- Thank you.
Extra! Extra! Read all about it, ladies and gentlemen! Come, come, read all about it in L'Avis! - May I have one, please? - Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Is that you? Not this time.
Extra! Extra! Get the newspaper with all the latest news! Great.
Extra! Extra! Sorry to say so, boss, but this thing will never fly.
Don't you worry, Chapin.
It will fly in due time.
The engine makes all the difference.
I'd be very surprised.
Stop it.
It's just an aerodynamic test.
Go on.
Go on.
Please, Chapin, a little further.
Further, further.
Stop! Stop! You can go.
Let go! Damn! Damn! - I told you so, boss.
- Nice try.
It needs some minor adjustments.
It's not flying.
Let's try one more time.
I told you.
But nobody wants to believe me.
- We can try again, right? - No! No? No.
We must admit we failed.
Number 11 will fly no more.
What now? What do we do, boss? Move on to the next project.
But this time, we do it my way.
How can I ever thank you? For example, you could keep on being my customer.
Certainly.
I'm sorry, I was sure my future was in balloons.
It's such a shame that balloon flights have simply plateaued.
There's no future in them.
Sure there is.
The next step is being able to steer it, being able to guide the balloon.
You have no idea as to the force of the winds up there.
Engines are no match for the forces of Nature.
That's still to be seen.
We'll be doing something completely new.
While everybody focuses on George Cayley's ideas, we'll use another genius' work.
Da Vinci.
I saw a painting of his.
Yes.
But he was also an inventor, with a different notion as to what a flying machine should be.
I feel quite confident this is the way to go.
- If you say so.
- Look at my sketches.
That's crazy.
But so was the airship.
Exactly.
So, let's get to work.
Come on, Nuno.
Unbelievable, Da Vinci.
Excuse me, sir.
A letter from Miss De Acosta.
- Put it on my nightstand.
- Yes, sir.
- Julien! - Sir? Give me that letter.
"Dear Santos.
I hope things are going just fine in Paris, and that you're not missing me too much.
I'm writing because I'm worried about you.
Sem recently wrote me, saying you're cooped up in there.
He says you're not working anymore, and you won't even go out at night.
What's wrong, Alberto? Should I be concerned? With all the love in the world, yours, Aida.
" "Dear Aida.
Know you need not worry about me.
Neither you nor Sem.
If people don't see me anymore, and if I'm not working, it's simply because I feel I have nothing else to prove.
I no longer need to be admired by others.
So there's no need to worry.
I am at peace with myself.
Eternally yours, Santos.
" I've always admired you.
And you must be tired of being admired so much.
Tell me about Brazil.
Brazil? No.
Tell me about Indonesia.
That's where you're from, right? I'm Dutch, Santos.
I just lived in Indonesia for a while.
I made up that whole story to sell more tickets.
And it worked! Stories are a powerful thing.
One's perception of people can be stronger than the truth itself.
That's what I'm finding out.
Santos is more occupied with more important things than aviation.
You're right.
- Would you excuse me a moment? - Certainly.
- Sem! - Santos.
Is everything okay? Of course.
Isn't it quite obvious? Perhaps you feel you can fool everyone with your happy guy charade.
But I know you.
You're jealous, Sem.
Is that it? You know very well you can tell me what's going on, that I won't tell anyone from the Aeroclub.
Don't you? - Excuse me.
- Santos My date's waiting, Sem! They had never seen a balloon.
They took me for an alien.
So many adventures.
Why don't you come with me, and tell me some more stories? Thank you, but tomorrow I start working early.
With such delicate hands, what kind of work do you do? Hands don't always say everything.
Perhaps not everything, but they do say a lot.
This here is the love line.
Please! I understand.
You just used me as a trophy to show your friends.
Don't get me wrong.
It's okay, Santos.
I've met a lot of men like you.
No.
It's not like that.
I really have to work first thing tomorrow morning.
Well, dinner was excellent.
But it's not worth the trouble keeping who you really are from your true friends.
I've seen so many men suffer because of that.
Says the Dutch lady from Indonesia.
Good night.
That doesn't work! We've already tested them! These wings don't work! You saw what happened.
We need oval-shaped wings.
We need an impartial opinion from the experts.
The experts are the competition.
Forget about an honest opinion.
I know someone who's not competing, who's more interested in science than in winning prizes.
My God! You're obsessed with Santos Dumont! He's been left behind.
His opinion is worthless.
That is your biggest mistake! Yours and everyone else's in the Aeroclub! Once a genius, always a genius.
Get to work.
Number 8 propeller.
Note number 5.
A little off balance.
Number 9 propeller.
A fiasco.
Forget it.
Number 10 propeller.
Interesting experiment, Santos.
Propellers thrown from great heights.
Whatever for, I wonder? Can't I entertain my colleagues? For the love of God, Santos.
You're clearly working on a heavier-than-air.
Tell me all about it.
So you can tell your friends at the Aeroclub? Are you here to spy on me? I came to tell you Blériot wishes to speak with you about the heavier-than-air.
You must have a lot to talk about.
No! Nothing! An idle man, like yourself, would look very suspicious if you turn down his invitation.
You should speak with Voisin, he can help you.
I don't need help! I started with balloons, I figured out how to steer them, and now, I'll build a heavier-than-air! I've been through every stage.
You never built a glider.
That's Voisin's forte.
Forget it! Santos, I've seen them up close.
Blériot will never design a heavier-than-air! But Voisin is talented, don't be so stubborn.
Together, you can invent something the world has never seen.
Is this your latest design? I know you saw our last test.
I did.
- I was impressed.
- Thank you.
We have a question for you.
We need your opinion about a detail on the heavier-than-air.
Italy is close to getting one.
And so are the Germans and the Americans.
I guess you'd like this invention to be a French one.
Certainly, but I'm sorry to say I'm not well acquainted with what's going on in that field.
Impossible! A curious mind like yours? Generally speaking, I could say the heavier-than-air is inevitable.
It will shorten distances all over the world.
Stop with the philosophy! We need your practical opinion! - What's the best option? - Easy, Voisin, easy.
I noted the Blériot 2 had parallel wings.
And it crashed in the river with me on board.
We need to decide what's best for the Blériot 3, our first heavier-than-air.
This young man claims oval wings are better.
But gliders show parallel wings.
All my studies on gliders say I'm right.
Well I hate giving my opinion because I might be wrong.
But Blériot I think your assistant is right.
A toast! We can finally move forward with our project.
Very well.
I give up.
Thank you, Mr.
Dumont.
I don't believe I've expressed how much I admire you.
This young man is something, isn't he? He's young, yet wise.
Undoubtedly.
It's thirty times stronger than what we need.
Impossible.
Let's do it again.
It's a new idea, Lachambre.
But that's what I want, injecting new ideas into obsolete habits.
Let's try again.
Stop arguing! See the opportunity this represents.
We'll build a lighter balloon than any other ever designed, you and me.
But where are we going to get that Japanese silk? In Japan, of course.
- Good evening, maître.
- Your table, sir.
Thanks, not today.
Good evening, gentlemen.
Good evening.
Sem.
Can we have a word? About what? I'm working on a heavier-than-air.
- What, Santos? - We need to talk.
I want to meet with Gabriel Voisin.
What for? To yell at him? I apologize for my behavior.
That was a dumb secret to keep.
I gave too much importance to what people think.
- That's the Santos I know.
- Will you help me? Luckily, it's perfect timing.
They tested the Blériot 3 and it sank in the river.
Good! - Good morning.
- Welcome.
I heard about what you said last night.
Is that why I'm here? I want you to work with me.
I know I can build a heavier-than-air craft, but I need someone with experience in gliders.
Your offer flatters me.
But no, thanks.
Blériot is a great engineer, and we work well together.
Blériot isn't focused on his research.
Sorry, Mr.
Santos.
Wait, wait! At least look at my designs.
A front rudder? Interesting, but it won't work.
Sorry, I see nothing convincing in your notes.
Good luck.
May the best guy win.
Don't worry.
It'll work out.
This kite will fly, right? Yes, it will.
You do it.
What a sight! Santos Dumont, a once ambitious inventor, now flies a kite in front of his hangar.
- I enjoy flying kites.
- So, how are you? You were right, Sem.
They are the new generation.
I understand.
It's sad it all ended like this, but I understand.
We all get tired after a while.
Yes.
I am tired.
At any rate, that suits you just fine.
Any new projects? - I'm working on an airship.
- An airship? It's obsolete, I know, but it's just for me.
For fun.
How was your flight? Perfect.
The easiest flight I ever had.
I knew we could revamp the airship.
Now what? I can't wait to see the next project.
Trust me, Nuno.
The next one will be the most impressive of all.
- Bravo, boss! - Thanks, Chapin.
He listened to me, Chapin.
Great.
Ask him for a raise.
You look happy, satisfied.
I think the lack of pressure agrees with me.
You could spend some time with us in Portugal.
Sounds great.
But I have business to attend in Paris.
What, Uncle? You'll see.
Ridiculous! I had never seen anything like it.
Unbelievable.
Gentlemen.
- Blériot, how are you? - Fine.
How are you? Good! He quit the heavier-than-air very quickly.
He'll be lucky if it doesn't explode.
What a shame.
Santos, with his built, will always be lighter than air.
Yes, that's right.
The coast is clear now.
It's your turn, Blériot.
Totally.
Julien - Good day, sir.
- Good day.
Voisin? Come in, Voisin! Julien, a towel for Mr.
Voisin.
Hurry, hurry! - Yes, sir.
- To what do I owe your visit? I know what you did.
You didn't make an airship.
You made a tug.
A craft to carry a heavier-than-air.
You think it's a dumb idea? No, it's brilliant.
It's a way to test aerodynamics in practice, with no risks.
That's exactly what we need.
Sorry, I'm not selling it to Blériot or anyone else.
I want to work with you.
Are you sure? I'm leaving Blériot.
And this year, we'll have a heavier-than-air craft.
Your calculations aren't they aren't precise.
Good morning, sir.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I came to see what we're working on today.
On nothing.
Voisin and I will be experimenting for a while.
Take two weeks off.
- You don't need me, Mr.
Santos? - No, Nuno, thanks.
Very well.
So, as I was saying, the machine will be built with box kites.
Fine, but the angle of the wings you propose The rudder goes in front.
That's questionable, but I mean the wings, not the rudder.
The wings are the ones I designed.
Santos, if you won't listen to me, we can't work together.
I've been working on this for six months now! Why am I here if you won't listen to me? Excuse me.
We can do more than that! I've had it with your new project, Santos! It's too crazy.
So, what am I here for? You're here to learn.
I think I've already done enough learning.
Well, you can leave then.
No, I'm staying.
Can we stop arguing for a moment? I need to show you something.
Let's take a walk.
What do you think? About what? - The colors are all wrong.
- Yes! Don't you find it odd? It's definitely odd.
No, it's not odd at all.
It's Henri Matisse.
This is an exhibit of Matisse and his friends.
They call themselves "The fauvists".
I don't know if they'll all make art history, but Matisse will, no doubt about it.
You don't need to show me you're an expert in art.
I just want to show you what's new in Paris.
During your six years abroad, the city never stopped.
Every year, every month, new things arrive here from all over the world.
You were once a novelty, Santos.
Now I am the novelty.
Next year, who knows? I am obsolete.
Is that it? No, far from it.
But you can't ignore some ideas just because they're new.
That's the only way to stay up to speed.
Perhaps you should start using the wrong colors too.
My problem, Voisin, isn't that you're in fashion.
Absolutely not.
But having to listen to someone that's not my style.
That's okay.
Shall we go on? Sure.
I'll show you another room.
Okay.
I think we're ready to put it together.
Good morning.
I don't want to interrupt you.
A front rudder.
Dear God! Voisin, I know it sounds contradictory, but the glider aerodynamics, it's all in there.
The rudder in front is ideal.
It'll fly like a bird.
Got it? Nuno, Chapin, get to work! Careful.
JULY 23rd, 1906 - Voisin.
- Good day, Louis.
I didn't know you worked here.
Sorry I didn't tell you.
I've been working on this for years.
Santos steals my moment, and you're okay with it? Santos stole nothing.
It wasn't your time, Louis.
It's the heavier-than-air time.
And I'll work for whoever's closest to getting it done.
I told you he's still a genius.
- You were right.
- I'm always right, Voisin.
That's it, maestro.
Wish me luck.
And the wisdom to avoid being as stubborn as you were.
THE ARCHDEACON PRIZE SEPTEMBER 13th, 1906 Right here is perfect! Good! Are you ready? It's no longer a secret.
The whole world will witness any mistake.
Nice time to tell me that.
Santos, who cares about them? I know you'll be successful.
Nuno! Come here please.
Yes? I spoke with Voisin.
He's opening a plant to make heavier-than-air craft.
When the technology's right.
He accepted my recommendation of you as his engineer.
What? You did a great job these last few months.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you so much and Mr.
Santos Good luck.
Chapin! That's not enough to win the prize.
Didn't you see what just happened? A man just flew! "Flew"