Santos Dumont (2019) s01e05 Episode Script
O Voo da Libélula (The Flight of the Dragonfly)
1 EPISODE 5 The Flight of the Dragonfly Get up there! Over here.
It's easier here.
I'll get that one.
This one's shut.
- Get in there.
- Okay.
Come, Pedro! Gotcha! I got it! I got one.
I got one! Ready? Here we go.
One, two, three! - So, do chickens fly? - We need to keep testing.
More than flying, he jumped like a chicken.
- Nevertheless, it was a flight.
- He flew? Can I say that? Not at all! Not enough to win the Archdeacon prize.
Perhaps it wasn't enough to win the prize, but you could be a little more excited, Chevalier.
It's a huge step forward for France! Mr.
Deutsch, I've already seen a heavier-than-air fly, with Clément Ader! Ader crashed.
He didn't actually fly.
Like it or not, Chevalier, he's France's first aviator, a Brazilian, Santos Dumont.
Now what? We need more tests.
This is no time to relax.
Mr.
Santos, someone to see you.
Santos, bravo! Bravo, bravo, bravo! - I'm sorry I missed your flight.
- That's alright.
I honestly didn't think you'd succeed first time around.
That's why tests are so important, and attaching the craft to a balloon.
True! Why don't we do that, together, some time, so we can share our findings? Why not? I'd also like to have, once again, the advice of Voisin, who so cruelly deserted me.
With pleasure.
Who knows? I could even steal him from you.
That would sadden me.
But now that I've learned everything about gliders, it wouldn't be such a huge loss.
I see.
Fine, I'll finish my drink and l'll let you work.
I don't know.
I'm still not convinced.
Trust me, Voisin.
Placing a sheet of metal on the edges of the wings, will enhance stability at the rear.
With better rear control, take off will go faster.
The theory sounds good, let's see what practice will show.
Chapin, the Archdeacon Prize is the day after tomorrow.
October 23rd.
No problem, boss.
She will be ready.
ARCHDEACON PRIZE October 23rd, 1906 So? Sixty meters, and approximately two meters high.
- Time? - Seven seconds.
Great, Santos Dumont won the prize today.
But you've already won, Santos.
Yet, there are still new challenges.
The Aeroclub has just offered a new prize, for a flight covering a minimum of 100 meters.
Blériot thinks he'll win.
Enjoy your prize a little.
I don't want the money, Sem.
I want to win.
You don't want the money? So, give it to me, I'll put it to good use.
I'm giving it to my mechanics.
Trust me, they'll put it to better use.
Come here, Camille, honey.
I'm celebrating double today, once for me and once for that stubborn Brazilian.
Chapin! Santos! My dear Voisin! We made the front pages! Have you seen that? Yes.
Congratulations.
By the way, I noted that the rudder wires could be even tighter.
And we need to shift the engine center of gravity.
- Santos, we need to talk.
- Yes? As you said, I think we've both learned what we needed to learn from each other.
We already won the Archdeacon prize.
It's time for me to focus on my next project.
- Any particular reason? - Just that.
Very well.
Like I said that day, your decision saddens me.
Don't be sad.
It's been an honor for me.
Yes an honor.
Thank you for everything, Voisin.
I know we'll meet again.
Yes, of course.
So, boss, are we taking the day off? On the contrary.
We'll work twice as hard today.
Tighten the wires! Mr.
Santos Dumont, that was splendid, splendid! I'd like to talk about an opportunity with you.
Thank you, sir.
But right now, I'd just like to enjoy my drink with my friend.
I think he's a Rumanian tycoon.
How does it feel to be the Aeroclub darling again? - Awful.
- You say so with a little smile.
Santos! Come have a drink! - You liar! You love it! - Perhaps.
- Come, Sem.
- Coming.
- Champagne? - Yes.
Maître, champagne! Good evening.
Are you working with Blériot again? Don't fool yourself, Santos.
The first prize might be yours, but the Aeroclub prize All I saying is I'm very sure of myself.
Then Voisin made the right choice.
I just wanted more freedom.
That's it.
I see.
And now the mind behind the performance of the 14-bis will be entirely my own mind! The mind behind the performance of the 14-bis? Then I'm sure the airplane will fly.
In fact, you can have my turn for the first test.
Very well.
Thanks.
Good luck.
Luck? Did I tell you the story about my wife? Of course.
Everybody's heard it.
- How about you, Voisin? - Everyone's heard it! Everyone! THE ARCHDEACON PRIZE November 12th, 1906 - Impressive speed.
- Yes, and what elevation! Sadly, it broke down right at take off.
- Is everything okay? - Yes, yes! - What happened? - The wing snapped.
But that's impossible.
- Let's get to work.
- Come, gentlemen.
Good attempt, though.
- Good attempt, boss? - Let's get ours ready.
Right here, Nuno.
I'm ready.
Out of the way, please! Out, out! Careful! Wonderful! He flew six meters in the air.
Another flight, another prize.
It flew, didn't it? Bravo! - Congratulations to all of you.
- Bravo! 220 meters! Congratulations, my friends.
I get it, boss, you didn't fly any further to break your own record next time.
I could've easily gone further, Chapin.
- True.
- You can always go further.
- We really did well this time.
- Yes.
Now, it's time for a break.
- A break? - What? I'm going to see my folks in Brazil.
Excellent.
I have family there, too.
We can go together.
Nuno, remember I recommended you to Voisin? - Yes, sir.
- Make the most of it.
Yes, sir.
What about me, Mr.
Dumont? - Enjoy the prize! - Thank you, Mr.
Dumont.
And watch the hangar.
No worries.
Minor adjustments it is.
Great job.
One moment, sir.
No, don't even think about it.
Switch it off, we're getting off here.
Going backwards is bad luck.
Eccentric even to get off a car.
My dear Alberto.
What a pleasure to see you.
- The pleasure's mine, Antonio.
- Pleasant trip? As much as possible.
- See how important your uncle is? - Yes, I do.
Great job, knight commander.
Not even Paris treated him like this.
Imagine how happy people were from the instant he disembarked.
I find it ungrateful to come back just to be honored.
He's never flown in his country.
We want to see him fly.
Your father did a great job as mayor of São Paulo.
And I know you'll follow his example.
Preferably here in Rio de Janeiro.
Our youth are scattered all over the world.
Is this a new little Dumont? Son, meet a friend, Antonio Prado Junior, a huge fan of sports and speed just like your uncle.
We even flew in a balloon in Paris.
- It's a huge pleasure.
- We're so proud.
You're a genius.
Amazing! Congratulations! - It's a pleasure and an honor.
- Congratulations.
Brazil is so proud of you.
Guys, excuse me.
Excuse me, please.
Let's take care of our guest, or there won't be anything left for dinner.
I never thought I'd need to be rescued on land, let alone in my own land.
Now do you see why in Europe Brazilian politicians are known as magpies? Show some respect for magpies.
They know not what they say.
I never thought of that.
Aren't you eating, Alberto? I had so many hors d'oeuvres and canapés just a while ago.
Not even the pheasant? I know what pheasants are.
- Birds of the Galliformes order.
- Exotic chickens.
Exotic chickens.
If they're of the chicken family, can pheasants fly? If they're of the chicken family, can pheasants fly? That's an important discussion.
Ladies and gentlemen, our guest is a little tired.
Alberto, your room is ready.
Don't worry about the guests, I'll take care of them.
Excuse me, everybody.
Tomorrow we'll continue with my nephew the important question about the pheasant's flight.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Europe bowed to Brazil whispering hushed congratulations Europe bowed to Brazil whispering hushed congratulations A new star is shining in the sky It's called Santos Dumont A new star is shining in the sky It's called Santos Dumont It's a shame I can't stay longer this time, there's another competition in Paris.
You're already the pioneer, my friend.
You flew a heavier-than-air.
That's true, but it's not enough.
I need to know how far it can take me.
There'll be a lot of celebration on the São Paulo inland railways.
Did you get permission to visit the estate? Yes, just like you asked.
Nobody will bother you there.
- Thanks, Antonio.
- Always a pleasure.
You're clearly not cut out to run the estate.
But don't worry, I left you enough money.
I want you to grow up.
Go to Paris.
Maybe that'll make you a man.
I don't want you to be a doctor.
And remember this.
Machines are the future of the world.
It was time to come home.
Manoel! How was your trip? Lots of celebrations and people, lots of noise.
Isn't that what heroes want? You are a hero.
What I really like is being up in the clouds.
Come, I'll prepare a bath and lunch for you.
You look exhausted.
Is the water okay? Yes, it's just perfect, Manoel.
Thank you.
How are things on the estate? Sorry, sir, I don't speak Portuguese.
What can I get you, sir? Nothing.
Thanks, Julien.
I just need to get back on track.
Breakfast is served, sir.
You need to eat properly.
You know what energizes me? Work, Julien.
I've heard Santos is back in Paris.
What's he up to now? No idea.
He hasn't been flying since he flew the 14-bis.
In any case, his success is linked to ours.
We still have a lot of pending business and projects.
Mr.
Farman wants a model inspired on the one we made for Leon Delagrange.
There's always room for improvement.
Totally.
We're still lacking balance between the two sides.
We need a system allowing for more control on the curves.
That's the question.
The evolution of aviation is not a straight line.
- Nuno! - Sir? Mr.
Santos Dumont! It's so nice to see you again! - Blériot.
- Come in.
Welcome.
Voisin.
Allow me to introduce you.
This is Henri Farman.
He's testing our new model.
- A pleasure, Mr.
Dumont.
- The pleasure is all mine.
I'd like your opinion on this, if you don't mind.
Aircraft power and lift are what really stand out on the plane we're building.
And it seems the pilot wants to go even further.
- Has it lifted off the ground? - Not yet.
Did you know the Aeroclub is offering a new prize? Really? What's the challenge this time? 50,000 francs to fly a kilometer in a closed circuit.
Interesting! I haven't won that one yet.
So, who's going to win? Santos Dumont will always be the fave.
I have my doubts.
I'm working on a hydroplane.
A hydroplane? We've already left that behind, Santos.
What are you still doing in the water? Well I want to go beyond 100 kilometers per hour, that's all.
I don't know where you're going with that, but I wish you well.
Aviation is a closed circuit, my dear friend.
We'll meet again.
- May the best man win.
- Yes.
- Meanwhile, let's drink up! - Excellent idea.
A seaplane? One competitor less to face? It's time a Frenchman is honored for his global effort.
I came to see how it's going.
Go right ahead, Colonel.
Allow me a moment with Blériot.
- Alright.
- Thank you.
Have no fear.
I'm very confident.
Farman is a great pilot.
Yes.
I think we can win.
A skilled worker like you deserves more credit, Nuno.
Good afternoon, Colonel.
It's an honor to be able to help.
I want to know what little Santos is up to, and I know you have access to the hangar.
But, Colonel, you're the boss here.
You just need to go ask him.
Brilliant idea.
I think it's you who invented the aircraft.
Certainly not, Colonel.
I just know a little about mechanics.
But you know nothing about homeland security.
No.
I want to know everything about his projects, without him suspecting my intentions.
- But, sir - You'll know what to do.
How are your wife and your little boy? Raising a family must be tough for an immigrant worker, right? What do you think, Colonel? Wonderful.
Wonderful.
I bet no one will be able to top this.
Right, Nuno? Excellent.
This way, Colonel.
- So, this is it then? - Yes, this is my new project.
Please don't be silly, Nuno.
Voisin wants to build an industry.
And what does Dumont want? He just wants to have fun.
Dumont, the guy that helped us make all our money, that guy? I know, but this is no time to reject the French.
- Trust me.
- Wake up already! Play.
Play.
Come here, honey.
Sorry, Nuno.
I can't help you.
This is a bad time to confront the government.
- But why? - Why? What's going on? Don't you know tensions are high with the African colonies and England? What tensions? What tensions? Politicians are talking about reinstating the draft.
And the Army is recruiting balloonists.
- Really? - Yes, really! What am I going to do? I'm an immigrant! I can't have issues with anyone! Calm down! I do know he's testing his new craft tomorrow.
But I have no idea what that monster's for.
SEPTEMBER 25th, 1907 Now I know what this thing is good for.
It's totally useless.
Don't judge it from what you see, Chapin.
We didn't make 100 kilometers an hour, but it did much better than I expected.
It did? The real test was carried under the water.
We now have our monoplane wing.
Mono? Minimal frame and weight.
Just look at nature.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
My God! Santos Dumont's exotic birds are turning into insects! - Voisin.
Everything okay? - Yes.
Need a hand? The carburetor jammed.
What about Farman's test? He's very brave and determined.
But something's missing.
Will your new project be ready for the competition? As you saw, I still don't have a trustworthy engine.
Do you think you'll be able to take off with just one wing? See how it bends? We don't need the biplane.
The incline will allow for it.
Great idea.
Is it yours? We've worked together, my friend.
We know what we're worth.
Now, there are no secrets between us.
If you win still another prize, aviation will be the winner.
Yes.
But if Farman wins then France is the winner.
- Nuno.
- Yes? Did you see Dumont's monoplane? Mr.
Voisin I'd rather not get involved in that.
What? I've had enough problems already with that.
- Are you insinuating something? - Of course not.
I apologize, sir.
Don't you understand I'm Santos Dumont's partner? Why ask me anything if you're partners? I don't need you to have access to him.
So why am I here, if you don't need me? Exactly, I have no need for you at the moment.
- I was just going to ask you - Take your things and leave! Thank you, Mr.
Voisin.
Everything's coming along just fine.
By next week we can run our first trial test.
Not trial tests! We're coming, flying and winning! Hail, Caesar! We're ready, Colonel.
It's time to reap what I've toiled so hard for.
Did the Portuguese guy talk about Santos' projects? Coronel, with all due respect, we don't need to speak Portuguese to know what Santos is up to.
- How did you find out? - He told me himself.
- Really? He told you himself? - Yes.
I didn't adapt well to his workshop.
I spoke with Mr.
Voisin and there's no problem.
- Are you sure, Nuno? - This is my crew.
- Welcome, Nuno.
- Thanks, Mr.
Santos.
In Portuguese we'd say, "The good son always returns.
" That's right.
I didn't get a word, but here's to our success.
- Back to work! - Right.
JANUARY 13th, 1908 The judges watch Henri Farman compete for the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize, taking off and flying around a six-meter-high flag, up to the 500-meter mark and turns around to land after flying the first kilometer in a closed circle.
A toast to the first flight of one kilometer in a closed circle.
Mr.
Farman wins the Aviation Grand Prix! Working together, we can build something even greater.
And now the victory is 100% French! Long live France! Shouldn't Santos be here? He's cooped up, as usual.
Why does it still surprise you? To him being different is being normal.
The Aeroclub's confirmed the Wrights will be flying in Europe.
Aren't they a fraud? Flyers or liars? It doesn't matter.
Why fear anything new? We'll see what they can do.
At this hour? I have no peace.
I have no peace.
Sem! Come in.
Everyone paid you tribute when Farman came out victor.
And, tomorrow, it will surely happen again, during the Wright's show.
I'm glad.
There's room in the skies for everyone.
Santos, I very well know you're not happy at all.
But I respect your isolation.
I know you work well like this.
But there's a limit to everything.
Okay, so, what's the limit? Wanting people to note your absence.
It's not that, Sem.
It wasn't my presence at Maxim's, or the Aeroclub, that made me fly my airships and the 14-bis.
Are you upset about losing the Aeroclub prize? You're a poor loser? It's not that, Sem.
Don't tell me it's about the Wright brothers.
What would Edison say, if after presenting his electric bulb, another inventor showed up with another electric bulb, claiming he had created it before Edison created his? Right.
To whom does mankind owe aerial navigation? To the Wrights, who have done everything in secrecy? Or to Blériot, Farman, Voisin and me, who have done everything in front of scientific committees, and in plain daylight? It's okay.
No problem.
Fearing they'd be isolated in their far-away land, the Americans have set shop close to Mans, where the Wright brothers will make their first public demonstration in Europe.
"The Wright airplane is better than ours," said Blériot, who hasn't given up yet.
In fact, the Wright airplane depends on a launching pad to which it must be reattached.
The Wright brothers were first called pretenders.
Now, they're heroes.
We need to admit our limitations to surpass them.
That's the kind of self-criticism Dumont is in need of.
You'll soon be asked for caricatures of the Wrights, to place up there.
Before they ask me to, you can tell them I never will.
- Let's sit.
- Yes.
Mom.
Are angels human? My son, angels are beings of light.
They live in Heaven and Earth to get us closer to God.
They're like divine people.
Men are sinners.
And angels are pure.
SEPTEMBER 13th, 1909 - Farman.
- Yes? Take a look.
Santos Dumont reached a speed of 96 kilometers per hour, in five minutes, from Saint Cyr to Buc.
It's a world record.
Not bad for someone who said he was lagging behind.
Sem! Santos! How are you, my friend? I'm fine.
I did this myself.
Here.
This is for you.
It's beautiful.
Thanks.
I should thank you.
You know, Santos you're a great inspiration to all artists.
Congratulations.
But I think you can do much better.
Just kidding.
This is really special.
Thanks.
Seventy meters! In 6.
25 seconds.
A world record.
Keep an eye on the nouveau riche guy.
Would you say this is your finest project? I don't mean to brag.
But what I can say is that people already recognize the Demoiselle.
I've heard you've been approached to market several units.
Yes, thanks to its low cost and simple design, I have no doubt it will be mass-produced.
How much would one cost? It depends.
They'd cost less than a car.
But I'm neither an industrialist nor a businessman.
So, would you make money just from your idea? If you knew anything about aerial navigation, then you'd know I've never needed patents.
And I most certainly won't be needing them now.
Here, you can print this in your newspaper.
It's public knowledge now.
Thank you so much! What's the trick for someone to build their own Demoiselle? Control.
And freedom.
What do you mean by that, sir? Please, lend me your handkerchief.
Look at the news.
- That Brazilian's totally insane.
- You're right.
Santos had never been closer to perfection, than with his Demoiselle.
I'm more concerned about Blériot and Latham.
A Frenchman must be the first to cross the English Channel! The prize was doubled, from 500 to 1,000 pounds.
And even then, the Wrights aren't interested.
Good! Our odds are even better.
After conquering England, we'll recover Alsace-Lorraine.
I admire your optimism, Colonel.
But Latham's last test was an utter disaster.
Latham, who had to change his tattered clothes, said, over his eternal cigarette, "I'll start all over again.
" Another pilot is ready to fly, Louis Blériot.
Today is July 25th, 1909, six days after Latham landed.
At 16:41, the plane accelerated, taking off after 25 meters.
At 17:12, Blériot landed here, on the cliffs near Dover Castle.
The celebrations were awaiting the winner.
Congratulations poured in from France and the entire world.
"My dear Blériot.
This geographical transformation is a victory for aerial navigation over maritime navigation.
One day perhaps, thanks to you, the airplane will cross over the Atlantic Ocean.
Alberto Santos Dumont.
" Excuse me, Mr.
Blériot.
You have a seminar at the London Aeroclub and several interviews.
Very well, André.
Thanks.
- André.
- Sir? All engagements are important but some more so than others.
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
"Dear Santos.
I have only followed in your footsteps.
Your name is a banner for all aviators.
You are our leader.
Yours truly, Blériot.
" Sir! Sir! Breathe, sir.
Breathe, sir.
I will never fly again! I can't understand you, sir.
It's over! Get help!
It's easier here.
I'll get that one.
This one's shut.
- Get in there.
- Okay.
Come, Pedro! Gotcha! I got it! I got one.
I got one! Ready? Here we go.
One, two, three! - So, do chickens fly? - We need to keep testing.
More than flying, he jumped like a chicken.
- Nevertheless, it was a flight.
- He flew? Can I say that? Not at all! Not enough to win the Archdeacon prize.
Perhaps it wasn't enough to win the prize, but you could be a little more excited, Chevalier.
It's a huge step forward for France! Mr.
Deutsch, I've already seen a heavier-than-air fly, with Clément Ader! Ader crashed.
He didn't actually fly.
Like it or not, Chevalier, he's France's first aviator, a Brazilian, Santos Dumont.
Now what? We need more tests.
This is no time to relax.
Mr.
Santos, someone to see you.
Santos, bravo! Bravo, bravo, bravo! - I'm sorry I missed your flight.
- That's alright.
I honestly didn't think you'd succeed first time around.
That's why tests are so important, and attaching the craft to a balloon.
True! Why don't we do that, together, some time, so we can share our findings? Why not? I'd also like to have, once again, the advice of Voisin, who so cruelly deserted me.
With pleasure.
Who knows? I could even steal him from you.
That would sadden me.
But now that I've learned everything about gliders, it wouldn't be such a huge loss.
I see.
Fine, I'll finish my drink and l'll let you work.
I don't know.
I'm still not convinced.
Trust me, Voisin.
Placing a sheet of metal on the edges of the wings, will enhance stability at the rear.
With better rear control, take off will go faster.
The theory sounds good, let's see what practice will show.
Chapin, the Archdeacon Prize is the day after tomorrow.
October 23rd.
No problem, boss.
She will be ready.
ARCHDEACON PRIZE October 23rd, 1906 So? Sixty meters, and approximately two meters high.
- Time? - Seven seconds.
Great, Santos Dumont won the prize today.
But you've already won, Santos.
Yet, there are still new challenges.
The Aeroclub has just offered a new prize, for a flight covering a minimum of 100 meters.
Blériot thinks he'll win.
Enjoy your prize a little.
I don't want the money, Sem.
I want to win.
You don't want the money? So, give it to me, I'll put it to good use.
I'm giving it to my mechanics.
Trust me, they'll put it to better use.
Come here, Camille, honey.
I'm celebrating double today, once for me and once for that stubborn Brazilian.
Chapin! Santos! My dear Voisin! We made the front pages! Have you seen that? Yes.
Congratulations.
By the way, I noted that the rudder wires could be even tighter.
And we need to shift the engine center of gravity.
- Santos, we need to talk.
- Yes? As you said, I think we've both learned what we needed to learn from each other.
We already won the Archdeacon prize.
It's time for me to focus on my next project.
- Any particular reason? - Just that.
Very well.
Like I said that day, your decision saddens me.
Don't be sad.
It's been an honor for me.
Yes an honor.
Thank you for everything, Voisin.
I know we'll meet again.
Yes, of course.
So, boss, are we taking the day off? On the contrary.
We'll work twice as hard today.
Tighten the wires! Mr.
Santos Dumont, that was splendid, splendid! I'd like to talk about an opportunity with you.
Thank you, sir.
But right now, I'd just like to enjoy my drink with my friend.
I think he's a Rumanian tycoon.
How does it feel to be the Aeroclub darling again? - Awful.
- You say so with a little smile.
Santos! Come have a drink! - You liar! You love it! - Perhaps.
- Come, Sem.
- Coming.
- Champagne? - Yes.
Maître, champagne! Good evening.
Are you working with Blériot again? Don't fool yourself, Santos.
The first prize might be yours, but the Aeroclub prize All I saying is I'm very sure of myself.
Then Voisin made the right choice.
I just wanted more freedom.
That's it.
I see.
And now the mind behind the performance of the 14-bis will be entirely my own mind! The mind behind the performance of the 14-bis? Then I'm sure the airplane will fly.
In fact, you can have my turn for the first test.
Very well.
Thanks.
Good luck.
Luck? Did I tell you the story about my wife? Of course.
Everybody's heard it.
- How about you, Voisin? - Everyone's heard it! Everyone! THE ARCHDEACON PRIZE November 12th, 1906 - Impressive speed.
- Yes, and what elevation! Sadly, it broke down right at take off.
- Is everything okay? - Yes, yes! - What happened? - The wing snapped.
But that's impossible.
- Let's get to work.
- Come, gentlemen.
Good attempt, though.
- Good attempt, boss? - Let's get ours ready.
Right here, Nuno.
I'm ready.
Out of the way, please! Out, out! Careful! Wonderful! He flew six meters in the air.
Another flight, another prize.
It flew, didn't it? Bravo! - Congratulations to all of you.
- Bravo! 220 meters! Congratulations, my friends.
I get it, boss, you didn't fly any further to break your own record next time.
I could've easily gone further, Chapin.
- True.
- You can always go further.
- We really did well this time.
- Yes.
Now, it's time for a break.
- A break? - What? I'm going to see my folks in Brazil.
Excellent.
I have family there, too.
We can go together.
Nuno, remember I recommended you to Voisin? - Yes, sir.
- Make the most of it.
Yes, sir.
What about me, Mr.
Dumont? - Enjoy the prize! - Thank you, Mr.
Dumont.
And watch the hangar.
No worries.
Minor adjustments it is.
Great job.
One moment, sir.
No, don't even think about it.
Switch it off, we're getting off here.
Going backwards is bad luck.
Eccentric even to get off a car.
My dear Alberto.
What a pleasure to see you.
- The pleasure's mine, Antonio.
- Pleasant trip? As much as possible.
- See how important your uncle is? - Yes, I do.
Great job, knight commander.
Not even Paris treated him like this.
Imagine how happy people were from the instant he disembarked.
I find it ungrateful to come back just to be honored.
He's never flown in his country.
We want to see him fly.
Your father did a great job as mayor of São Paulo.
And I know you'll follow his example.
Preferably here in Rio de Janeiro.
Our youth are scattered all over the world.
Is this a new little Dumont? Son, meet a friend, Antonio Prado Junior, a huge fan of sports and speed just like your uncle.
We even flew in a balloon in Paris.
- It's a huge pleasure.
- We're so proud.
You're a genius.
Amazing! Congratulations! - It's a pleasure and an honor.
- Congratulations.
Brazil is so proud of you.
Guys, excuse me.
Excuse me, please.
Let's take care of our guest, or there won't be anything left for dinner.
I never thought I'd need to be rescued on land, let alone in my own land.
Now do you see why in Europe Brazilian politicians are known as magpies? Show some respect for magpies.
They know not what they say.
I never thought of that.
Aren't you eating, Alberto? I had so many hors d'oeuvres and canapés just a while ago.
Not even the pheasant? I know what pheasants are.
- Birds of the Galliformes order.
- Exotic chickens.
Exotic chickens.
If they're of the chicken family, can pheasants fly? If they're of the chicken family, can pheasants fly? That's an important discussion.
Ladies and gentlemen, our guest is a little tired.
Alberto, your room is ready.
Don't worry about the guests, I'll take care of them.
Excuse me, everybody.
Tomorrow we'll continue with my nephew the important question about the pheasant's flight.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Europe bowed to Brazil whispering hushed congratulations Europe bowed to Brazil whispering hushed congratulations A new star is shining in the sky It's called Santos Dumont A new star is shining in the sky It's called Santos Dumont It's a shame I can't stay longer this time, there's another competition in Paris.
You're already the pioneer, my friend.
You flew a heavier-than-air.
That's true, but it's not enough.
I need to know how far it can take me.
There'll be a lot of celebration on the São Paulo inland railways.
Did you get permission to visit the estate? Yes, just like you asked.
Nobody will bother you there.
- Thanks, Antonio.
- Always a pleasure.
You're clearly not cut out to run the estate.
But don't worry, I left you enough money.
I want you to grow up.
Go to Paris.
Maybe that'll make you a man.
I don't want you to be a doctor.
And remember this.
Machines are the future of the world.
It was time to come home.
Manoel! How was your trip? Lots of celebrations and people, lots of noise.
Isn't that what heroes want? You are a hero.
What I really like is being up in the clouds.
Come, I'll prepare a bath and lunch for you.
You look exhausted.
Is the water okay? Yes, it's just perfect, Manoel.
Thank you.
How are things on the estate? Sorry, sir, I don't speak Portuguese.
What can I get you, sir? Nothing.
Thanks, Julien.
I just need to get back on track.
Breakfast is served, sir.
You need to eat properly.
You know what energizes me? Work, Julien.
I've heard Santos is back in Paris.
What's he up to now? No idea.
He hasn't been flying since he flew the 14-bis.
In any case, his success is linked to ours.
We still have a lot of pending business and projects.
Mr.
Farman wants a model inspired on the one we made for Leon Delagrange.
There's always room for improvement.
Totally.
We're still lacking balance between the two sides.
We need a system allowing for more control on the curves.
That's the question.
The evolution of aviation is not a straight line.
- Nuno! - Sir? Mr.
Santos Dumont! It's so nice to see you again! - Blériot.
- Come in.
Welcome.
Voisin.
Allow me to introduce you.
This is Henri Farman.
He's testing our new model.
- A pleasure, Mr.
Dumont.
- The pleasure is all mine.
I'd like your opinion on this, if you don't mind.
Aircraft power and lift are what really stand out on the plane we're building.
And it seems the pilot wants to go even further.
- Has it lifted off the ground? - Not yet.
Did you know the Aeroclub is offering a new prize? Really? What's the challenge this time? 50,000 francs to fly a kilometer in a closed circuit.
Interesting! I haven't won that one yet.
So, who's going to win? Santos Dumont will always be the fave.
I have my doubts.
I'm working on a hydroplane.
A hydroplane? We've already left that behind, Santos.
What are you still doing in the water? Well I want to go beyond 100 kilometers per hour, that's all.
I don't know where you're going with that, but I wish you well.
Aviation is a closed circuit, my dear friend.
We'll meet again.
- May the best man win.
- Yes.
- Meanwhile, let's drink up! - Excellent idea.
A seaplane? One competitor less to face? It's time a Frenchman is honored for his global effort.
I came to see how it's going.
Go right ahead, Colonel.
Allow me a moment with Blériot.
- Alright.
- Thank you.
Have no fear.
I'm very confident.
Farman is a great pilot.
Yes.
I think we can win.
A skilled worker like you deserves more credit, Nuno.
Good afternoon, Colonel.
It's an honor to be able to help.
I want to know what little Santos is up to, and I know you have access to the hangar.
But, Colonel, you're the boss here.
You just need to go ask him.
Brilliant idea.
I think it's you who invented the aircraft.
Certainly not, Colonel.
I just know a little about mechanics.
But you know nothing about homeland security.
No.
I want to know everything about his projects, without him suspecting my intentions.
- But, sir - You'll know what to do.
How are your wife and your little boy? Raising a family must be tough for an immigrant worker, right? What do you think, Colonel? Wonderful.
Wonderful.
I bet no one will be able to top this.
Right, Nuno? Excellent.
This way, Colonel.
- So, this is it then? - Yes, this is my new project.
Please don't be silly, Nuno.
Voisin wants to build an industry.
And what does Dumont want? He just wants to have fun.
Dumont, the guy that helped us make all our money, that guy? I know, but this is no time to reject the French.
- Trust me.
- Wake up already! Play.
Play.
Come here, honey.
Sorry, Nuno.
I can't help you.
This is a bad time to confront the government.
- But why? - Why? What's going on? Don't you know tensions are high with the African colonies and England? What tensions? What tensions? Politicians are talking about reinstating the draft.
And the Army is recruiting balloonists.
- Really? - Yes, really! What am I going to do? I'm an immigrant! I can't have issues with anyone! Calm down! I do know he's testing his new craft tomorrow.
But I have no idea what that monster's for.
SEPTEMBER 25th, 1907 Now I know what this thing is good for.
It's totally useless.
Don't judge it from what you see, Chapin.
We didn't make 100 kilometers an hour, but it did much better than I expected.
It did? The real test was carried under the water.
We now have our monoplane wing.
Mono? Minimal frame and weight.
Just look at nature.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
My God! Santos Dumont's exotic birds are turning into insects! - Voisin.
Everything okay? - Yes.
Need a hand? The carburetor jammed.
What about Farman's test? He's very brave and determined.
But something's missing.
Will your new project be ready for the competition? As you saw, I still don't have a trustworthy engine.
Do you think you'll be able to take off with just one wing? See how it bends? We don't need the biplane.
The incline will allow for it.
Great idea.
Is it yours? We've worked together, my friend.
We know what we're worth.
Now, there are no secrets between us.
If you win still another prize, aviation will be the winner.
Yes.
But if Farman wins then France is the winner.
- Nuno.
- Yes? Did you see Dumont's monoplane? Mr.
Voisin I'd rather not get involved in that.
What? I've had enough problems already with that.
- Are you insinuating something? - Of course not.
I apologize, sir.
Don't you understand I'm Santos Dumont's partner? Why ask me anything if you're partners? I don't need you to have access to him.
So why am I here, if you don't need me? Exactly, I have no need for you at the moment.
- I was just going to ask you - Take your things and leave! Thank you, Mr.
Voisin.
Everything's coming along just fine.
By next week we can run our first trial test.
Not trial tests! We're coming, flying and winning! Hail, Caesar! We're ready, Colonel.
It's time to reap what I've toiled so hard for.
Did the Portuguese guy talk about Santos' projects? Coronel, with all due respect, we don't need to speak Portuguese to know what Santos is up to.
- How did you find out? - He told me himself.
- Really? He told you himself? - Yes.
I didn't adapt well to his workshop.
I spoke with Mr.
Voisin and there's no problem.
- Are you sure, Nuno? - This is my crew.
- Welcome, Nuno.
- Thanks, Mr.
Santos.
In Portuguese we'd say, "The good son always returns.
" That's right.
I didn't get a word, but here's to our success.
- Back to work! - Right.
JANUARY 13th, 1908 The judges watch Henri Farman compete for the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize, taking off and flying around a six-meter-high flag, up to the 500-meter mark and turns around to land after flying the first kilometer in a closed circle.
A toast to the first flight of one kilometer in a closed circle.
Mr.
Farman wins the Aviation Grand Prix! Working together, we can build something even greater.
And now the victory is 100% French! Long live France! Shouldn't Santos be here? He's cooped up, as usual.
Why does it still surprise you? To him being different is being normal.
The Aeroclub's confirmed the Wrights will be flying in Europe.
Aren't they a fraud? Flyers or liars? It doesn't matter.
Why fear anything new? We'll see what they can do.
At this hour? I have no peace.
I have no peace.
Sem! Come in.
Everyone paid you tribute when Farman came out victor.
And, tomorrow, it will surely happen again, during the Wright's show.
I'm glad.
There's room in the skies for everyone.
Santos, I very well know you're not happy at all.
But I respect your isolation.
I know you work well like this.
But there's a limit to everything.
Okay, so, what's the limit? Wanting people to note your absence.
It's not that, Sem.
It wasn't my presence at Maxim's, or the Aeroclub, that made me fly my airships and the 14-bis.
Are you upset about losing the Aeroclub prize? You're a poor loser? It's not that, Sem.
Don't tell me it's about the Wright brothers.
What would Edison say, if after presenting his electric bulb, another inventor showed up with another electric bulb, claiming he had created it before Edison created his? Right.
To whom does mankind owe aerial navigation? To the Wrights, who have done everything in secrecy? Or to Blériot, Farman, Voisin and me, who have done everything in front of scientific committees, and in plain daylight? It's okay.
No problem.
Fearing they'd be isolated in their far-away land, the Americans have set shop close to Mans, where the Wright brothers will make their first public demonstration in Europe.
"The Wright airplane is better than ours," said Blériot, who hasn't given up yet.
In fact, the Wright airplane depends on a launching pad to which it must be reattached.
The Wright brothers were first called pretenders.
Now, they're heroes.
We need to admit our limitations to surpass them.
That's the kind of self-criticism Dumont is in need of.
You'll soon be asked for caricatures of the Wrights, to place up there.
Before they ask me to, you can tell them I never will.
- Let's sit.
- Yes.
Mom.
Are angels human? My son, angels are beings of light.
They live in Heaven and Earth to get us closer to God.
They're like divine people.
Men are sinners.
And angels are pure.
SEPTEMBER 13th, 1909 - Farman.
- Yes? Take a look.
Santos Dumont reached a speed of 96 kilometers per hour, in five minutes, from Saint Cyr to Buc.
It's a world record.
Not bad for someone who said he was lagging behind.
Sem! Santos! How are you, my friend? I'm fine.
I did this myself.
Here.
This is for you.
It's beautiful.
Thanks.
I should thank you.
You know, Santos you're a great inspiration to all artists.
Congratulations.
But I think you can do much better.
Just kidding.
This is really special.
Thanks.
Seventy meters! In 6.
25 seconds.
A world record.
Keep an eye on the nouveau riche guy.
Would you say this is your finest project? I don't mean to brag.
But what I can say is that people already recognize the Demoiselle.
I've heard you've been approached to market several units.
Yes, thanks to its low cost and simple design, I have no doubt it will be mass-produced.
How much would one cost? It depends.
They'd cost less than a car.
But I'm neither an industrialist nor a businessman.
So, would you make money just from your idea? If you knew anything about aerial navigation, then you'd know I've never needed patents.
And I most certainly won't be needing them now.
Here, you can print this in your newspaper.
It's public knowledge now.
Thank you so much! What's the trick for someone to build their own Demoiselle? Control.
And freedom.
What do you mean by that, sir? Please, lend me your handkerchief.
Look at the news.
- That Brazilian's totally insane.
- You're right.
Santos had never been closer to perfection, than with his Demoiselle.
I'm more concerned about Blériot and Latham.
A Frenchman must be the first to cross the English Channel! The prize was doubled, from 500 to 1,000 pounds.
And even then, the Wrights aren't interested.
Good! Our odds are even better.
After conquering England, we'll recover Alsace-Lorraine.
I admire your optimism, Colonel.
But Latham's last test was an utter disaster.
Latham, who had to change his tattered clothes, said, over his eternal cigarette, "I'll start all over again.
" Another pilot is ready to fly, Louis Blériot.
Today is July 25th, 1909, six days after Latham landed.
At 16:41, the plane accelerated, taking off after 25 meters.
At 17:12, Blériot landed here, on the cliffs near Dover Castle.
The celebrations were awaiting the winner.
Congratulations poured in from France and the entire world.
"My dear Blériot.
This geographical transformation is a victory for aerial navigation over maritime navigation.
One day perhaps, thanks to you, the airplane will cross over the Atlantic Ocean.
Alberto Santos Dumont.
" Excuse me, Mr.
Blériot.
You have a seminar at the London Aeroclub and several interviews.
Very well, André.
Thanks.
- André.
- Sir? All engagements are important but some more so than others.
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
"Dear Santos.
I have only followed in your footsteps.
Your name is a banner for all aviators.
You are our leader.
Yours truly, Blériot.
" Sir! Sir! Breathe, sir.
Breathe, sir.
I will never fly again! I can't understand you, sir.
It's over! Get help!