Respect (2021) Movie Script

(LIVELY PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC FADES TO BACKGROUND)
- (DOOR LATCH OPENS)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
MAN: Ree?
Ree?
Wake up, baby.
They wanna hear you sing.
You wanna sing?
Yes, please.
All right.
(PEOPLE LAUGHING, CHATTERING)
Clarence, Ella's
looking for you.
Wait here, Ree.
- I'll be right back.
- Okay.
WOMAN 1: They butchered my essay.
Took all the politics out.
Can you believe that?
WOMAN 2: Communism is
absolutely for the Negro.
How else are we gonna have
everything we ever wanted?
Now, how does a man with one eye
play like he has four hands?
You been practicing?
Yes, Mr. Tatum.
She could hit
three octaves easy.
MAN 1: You know, you the finest
looking cat here, right?
Nigger, I know that.
What else you got?
Hey, Ree.
Hey, Uncle Sam.
MAN 2: No more
segregated clubs for me.
I'm not walking through no one's
kitchen to get to the stage.
WOMAN: I said to them, "I'm so happy
to be performing in England,
"but just remember there's only
one Heaven, one Earth
"and one queen.
"Me. Dinah Washington."
"That Elizabeth on y'alls throne
is an imposter."
- You didn't.
- Oh, yes, I did.
And I made 'em bow before me.
Well, look out, y'all.
The entertainer is here.
Hi.
MAN 1: He said he wanted
a race novel.
MAN 2: Sure, he
desegregated the army.
But he didn't do a damn thing
after that.
Hi, Aunt Ella. Uncle Duke.
Hey.
You ready, Ree?
Come on.
Excuse me? Everyone.
- Everyone.
- (PIANO MUSIC STOPS)
For those of you visiting my
home for the first time,
this is my daughter, Aretha.
She'd like to sing
a little something for you.
What would you
like to sing, Ree?
How old is she?
She's 10,
but her voice is
going on 30, honey.
CL: Aretha would
like to perform
My Baby Likes to Bebop.
Damn!
I was gonna record that
on my next album.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Can we do a duet?
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING) I was bopped on the head
Now I'm tall as a treetop
And just to end like new
I find the melody's dead
'Cause my baby
likes to bebop
And I love to bebop too
(SCATTING)
I love to bebop too
MAN: Sing, baby!
(SCATTING)
How I love to bebop too
I saw old Uncle Ned
do a dance and a flip-flop
He jumped like
the hepcats do
I flipped my lid
when he said
"My baby likes to bebop"
And boy...
(SCATTING)
And I like to bebop too
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Back to bed with you.
(PEOPLE EXCLAIM
IN DISAPPOINTMENT)
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(SINGING ON TV) Oh, when the saints
go marching in
(SINGING ALONG) Oh, when the saints
go marching in
Those white folks don't know
what to do with her.
Sock it to 'em, Clara!
GIRL: Yeah, Grandma!
Sock it to 'em!
Sock it to 'em!
(MUFFLED MUSIC)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Momma's here!
- Momma!
- (LAUGHS, EXCLAIMS)
God! Babe,
I missed you so much.
- BOY: Hi! Momma!
- (LAUGHS)
Mommy!
My babies!
My precious!
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
Come on, let's go!
Let's go!
- Let's go!
- BOY: Bye, Grandma!
- Come on, baby!
- GIRL: Let's go in the car!
BARBARA: (SINGING) In everything
that's light and gay
I'll always think of you
that way
I'll find you
in the morning sun
And even when
the night is new
I'll be looking
at the moon
But I'll be seeing
You
(SMOOCHES)
Sing another one, Momma!
Oh, Ree, that's
the third song now.
Please?
No, I want to talk.
- Please?
- Oh, God...
Oh...
Oh, all right.
What if I sing-talk?
(SINGING)
How is Aretha doing?
Aretha's doing all right
Just all right?
What about church?
We praising
the Lord, Momma!
Praising the Lord!
- Praising!
- Praising!
- Praising!
- Praising!
- Praising the Lord!
- Praising the Lord!
All day long
(LAUGHS)
You still singing
at the Saturday night parties?
Yeah.
Mm. Don't say "yeah."
"Yeah" is common.
Say "yes."
Yes.
You enjoy it?
- Yeah. Yes.
- (CHUCKLES)
Look at me, Ree.
If you ever
don't want to sing, don't.
I love singing.
No, I know. I know.
Your daddy doesn't
own your voice, Ree.
Nobody does but God.
And you don't ever
have to fear any man.
You understand?
You are so worthy, Ree.
Don't you ever let anybody
tell you otherwise.
Yes, Momma.
(REE SOBBING)
Oh, Ree, don't cry.
Come on, I'll see you
for your birthday.
Three weeks is a long time.
I know, but I am
always with you.
Even when I'm not there.
Okay? (SMOOCHES)
Go.
CL:
Ree, get back here!
Ree!
Goodbye!
Bye, Momma!
(SINGING)
We're marching
CONGREGATION: We're marching
Marching up to Zion
That beautiful
That beautiful
City of Zion
Ree?
Ree?
I'm the oldest. I should be
in the front of the line.
Hush.
We have nothing
to fear, church.
'Cause what is the white man
compared to God?
(CONGREGATION ACKNOWLEDGING,
APPLAUDING)
What is any law,
any injustice
compared to the power
of our Lord?
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
That's right!
(SINGSONG) 'Cause He will deliver us
from the den like Daniel.
And Daniel went into
that lion's den.
Daniel went into
that lion's den.
Yes, Jesus!
Not yelling
nor fussing.
Not crying!
- Not complaining!
- No!
Praising the Lord!
Yeah!
'Cause he knew
the Lord was with him.
He feared no man!
Can you hear me, church?
I wish somebody would pray
with me 'cause He will!
He will!
- He will!
- He will!
He will shut the jaws
of segregation,
and any man, person
or institution
that would dare
stand against us.
He took us from slavery,
he took us from
the valley of reconstruction.
Freedom!
ALL: Freedom!
- Freedom!
- ALL: Freedom!
- Freedom!
- ALL: Freedom!
Freedom now!
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Preach, Daddy, preach!
Hallelujah.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Hey? Ree?
Ree!
How come you're
not singing tonight?
Daddy didn't ask me to.
What's your doll's name?
Dee.
That's a pretty name.
You're pretty, too.
What's your boyfriend's name?
(CHUCKLES)
I don't have a boyfriend.
I can be your boyfriend.
Would you like that?
We'll have fun.
(SINGING) There's my
Luck wrong
Come on, Ree!
I don't want to.
Ree, I will beat your behind.
What are you doing?
I don't care if you beat me.
I don't want my hair done.
Don't you wanna look pretty
for church tomorrow?
No!
Y'all wait
in the living room.
Come on.
Don't sweat out all my work.
That's gotta last you all week!
Sit down.
You wanna tell me
what's wrong?
Ree-Ree?
I know you don't
wanna tell me,
but you can always
tell the Lord, Ree.
He loves you,
no matter what.
(SIGHS)
(HOW FAR AM I FROM CANAAN?
PLAYING ON RECORD)
I am standing
On the Jordan
Gazing across
Thy stormy tide
You're supposed to be
in bed, Ree.
There I'll rest
my every burden
Come, come
and join me for a while.
Till all doubts and fears
Lord, subside
Whoa, yes
What if I wasn't here?
What do you mean by that?
I don't know.
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
CL: See how nicely
their voices are blending?
They let Sam
take the proper lead.
Too many members of our choir
try to stand out
instead of supporting
the soloist.
Clarence?
Come to the phone.
- Play this next.
- Okay.
Right back.
MAMA FRANKLIN: Barbara's dead.
CL: How?
MAMA FRANKLIN: Heart attack.
CL: (STUTTERS) I'll tell them
in the morning, Mama.
No. No, you cannot
wait till tomorrow
to tell them
their momma is dead.
(GLASS SHATTERS)
No. No.
Ree?
Ree?
(CRYING)
I'm sorry, baby.
Let's go inside.
(ALL SINGING)
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Dear Ree-Ree
Happy birthday to you
Come on now, Ree.
She just miss her momma.
They all missin' her,
but how long
she gonna keep silent?
Goin' on three weeks.
She gotta...
She just needs a little time.
That's all.
Ree?
Miss Clara made you this
beautiful cake,
and Reverend James
came especially for you.
What do you say, Ree?
Do you say, "Thank you"?
Do you say something?
(POUNDS TABLE)
Make a wish, Ree.
(SOBBING)
I can't do this.
- MAMA FRANKLIN: Come on.
- Momma. Momma.
- Come on, baby. It's all right.
- Momma. Momma.
- It's all right. Come on, baby.
- Momma.
JAMES: (SINGING)
Do not carry
Everything
To God in prayer
Why are you hiding
over there?
Come on over here
and get your lesson.
You know this one.
Tell you what,
I'll be the choir
and you play the lead.
Three, four...
Ree is helping me with my
arrangement.
I see.
Has she spoken to you?
(SINGING) No, we ain't
gotten that far
Do you think you can
stay silent forever, Ree?
- Hmm?
- (PIANO PLAYING STOPS)
Look at me.
We must honor the gifts
that God has given us, Ree.
You will be singing
in church tomorrow.
James, can you prepare her?
(CLEARS THROAT)
Yes, sir.
Thank you.
(JAMES CLEARS THROAT)
Don't let nothin' come between you
and your music, Ree.
Music will save your life.
CL: God holds our hand.
- (CONGREGATION CLAMORING)
- Through Him, we can do anything!
He's a catcher!
A dream catcher!
Amen!
- ALL: Amen.
- CL: Amen.
And now,
my daughter, Aretha,
will bless us with song.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER, APPLAUSE)
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING) There is
A fountain
Filled
With blood
Drawn from
Emmanuel's veins
And sinners
Sinners plunged
Beneath that flood
(HEAVENLY CHOIR SINGING)
Sinners
Sinners plunged
Beneath
That flood
Lose all
Their guilty stains
(JAZZ SET PLAYING)
Lose all
their guilty stains
Guilty stains
Lose all
their guilty stains
All their guilty stains
And sinners plunged
Sinners plunged
Beneath that flood
Lose all
Their guilt
Guilty stains
Yeah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(ALL APPLAUDING)
Hallelujah
- (ARETHA SCATS)
- (MUSIC PICKS UP TEMPO)
Hallelujah
Did somebody say
We are running
through the flood?
Yeah!
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I wonder,
do you feel all right?
ALL: Yes!
CL: I said,
do you feel all right?
ALL: Yes!
Amen.
I'm ecstatic
to be able to report to you
that the day before yesterday,
we filled up the jail.
We have already won a victory
here in Birmingham.
Amen!
- (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
- CL: Due, in no small part
to the valiant work
of our leader.
A man whom I feel honored
to call my friend.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All right! Yes, sir!
Yes, sir!
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Come on! Somebody!
Some people
think that we are crazy
for taking on this fight.
(CONGREGATION EXCLAIMS)
But the forces against us
are strong
and they are determined
to stop us.
But we are just
as determined to go on!
(CONGREGATION CLAMORING)
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR:
Non-violently,
with love.
As long as it takes
to win our freedom.
Yes!
And Jesus is here with us
every single step of the way.
Amen!
Yes, sir!
Uncle Martin...
Now don't call me
Uncle Martin anymore.
- You make me feel old, that's the problem.
- I want to march.
Don't look at me like I'm still a child.
I'm not afraid.
- Oh, you're not?
- No.
Well, damn.
Then you need to be
leadin' this movement
and teaching me how to not be
terrified of these crazy white folks.
ARETHA: Martin...
Why do you want to march?
After all this time
traveling with you,
after all the horror
we've seen,
what kind of question
is that?
Are you runnin'
from your daddy?
No.
So, you tell him
you wanna march?
I don't have to.
It's my decision.
I'm a grown woman, remember?
(CHUCKLES) Oh, so, you ready to
orphan your kids now? Hmm?
- Are you?
- No.
But you're doing it anyway.
Because I have to.
- And I don't?
- Ree...
Singing for the movement
and sending people into battle
with a song is not enough anymore.
I need to be with them.
You have a good talk?
Yes.
It was a good talk.
Brother, come on.
She's restless, I can tell.
I don't know if it's restless.
She just wants to do more.
What kind of more?
I'll be there in a minute.
Momma!
Clarence! Eddie!
CHILDREN: Momma! Momma! Momma!
My babies!
(GRUNTS)
(GASPS)
Are you all right, baby?
- (CRYING)
- Clarence, you go in your room and wait for me.
Come here. It's all right, baby,
it's all right. Come on. Come on.
It's all right.
It's all right.
Every time I come back,
they want me less.
That's not true.
They talk about you
all the time.
Every night, I show 'em
where you are on the map.
One cookie.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
Fix your face now.
This party is for y'all.
CL: How are you, Mama?
God is good.
All the time.
Amen.
Let's eat.
I'm starving.
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)
ERMA: So, where y'all headed?
We go to Tennessee, then to Georgia,
then to North Carolina,
and then back to Alabama,
I think.
Damn. Martin's tour's
busier than Daddy's.
Erma, sometimes we hit
two states in one day.
What was that story
about Aunt Mahalia not paying you?
She said I would receive
my reward in Heaven.
(LAUGHS)
ARETHA: Oh.
No, Ree. Uh-uh.
(SIGHS)
Uh-uh-uh-uh...
- Smokey...
- Hey, hey, hey.
He's got some news, Ree.
I heard you're
cuttin' a record.
Yeah, with Berry
over at Motown.
They got some
sweet sounds, Ree.
They're signing a bunch of folks
in the neighborhood.
Listen, we are trying to put
Detroit on the map.
You gotta be a part of it.
- I would love that.
- Yeah?
Cecil, let me talk
to Daddy about it.
Don't bring it up
until I say.
You know what?
Let's let Berry talk to him.
CECIL:
Better yet, his sister.
She can talk ice
out of the devil's mouth.
What are you drinking?
Iced tea.
Just iced tea?
With a little bourbon.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah, you look like
a bourbon girl.
How long are you in town for?
ARETHA: A week.
Then I return to Tennessee.
Well, then, I won't
waste any time.
I'd like to take you out.
I'd like you to take me out.
How about tonight?
Ree!
Come and help me
set this table.
Yes, to tonight.
Okay.
Excuse me a moment.
Reverend.
I put up with you coming
to my house all these years
'cause you were friends
with my friends.
But I don't want you
around here anymore.
May I give you
some counsel, Reverend?
Ephesians 6:4 says,
"Fathers,
"do not exasperate
your children.
"Instead, bring them up in the training
and the instruction of the Lord."
(CHUCKLES) Lord, give me strength.
Are you serious?
You may wanna loosen
your grip on Aretha.
You know, every minister's
daughter I've ever known...
Nigger, you don't
wanna mess with me
or mine.
I got this.
I got it.
- (UPBEAT JAZZ SONG PLAYING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
Take that off.
CL: Everyone! Everyone!
Please, please, gather around.
Aretha, will you
join me, please?
This party is not just
a homecoming.
It's also an announcement.
God is moving us on
to our next chapter.
I've been talking to a number
of record producers about Aretha.
There were many who were interested
in working with her.
Tell them what it is, Ree.
(CLEARS THROAT)
A plane ticket
to New York City.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Congratulations, Ree.
Thank you.
CL: This is it.
Wow.
CL: Excuse me?
I have a meeting with a John Hammond
of Columbia Records.
RECEPTIONIST: Sign in, please.
You ready?
I'm ready.
CL: I've always seen Aretha
as more than a gospel singer.
Well, clearly from her demo,
she's so much more.
CL: Stand up, Ree.
Turn around.
There can sometimes be
a lack of effortlessness
of the kind you find in a Lena Horne
or a Dorothy Dandridge.
But what Aretha lacks
in formal education,
she more than makes up
for in experience.
She has performed before every type
of crowd imaginable,
from small churches
to audiences of thousands.
You can sit down now, Ree.
(CHUCKLES)
I'm curious.
Who are your favorite artists?
Dinah Washington.
Ella Fitzgerald.
- Hmm.
- Sam Cooke.
All family friends.
Sam would very much
like Aretha
to sign with RCA.
Well, we can't have that.
Welcome
to Columbia Records.
Oh. (LAUGHS)
JOHN: Prove yourself as a jazz artist,
and everything else will follow.
ARETHA: I understand.
Wonderful.
(JOHN CLEARS THROAT)
Are you ready, Aretha?
Yes, Mr. Hammond.
Wonderful.
The conductor will point at you
when he's ready for you to begin.
(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING) You got to accentuate
the positive
And eliminate the negative
And hang on
to the affirmative
But don't mess
with mister in-between
She sounds wonderful,
doesn't she?
She does.
Like a Black Judy Garland.
You got to spread joy
up to the maximum
And bring gloom down
to the minimum
And have faith
or pandemonium
Is liable to walk
upon the scene
PRESENTER:
Ladies and gentlemen,
the Village Vanguard is proud
to present Miss Aretha Franklin,
debuting her latest record,
Unforgettable.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.
We hope you enjoy
the show tonight.
I see an old family friend.
Dinah Washington is in the audience.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
I'd like to sing a song in honor of
her great artistry and talent.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING)
This bitter
Bitter...
DINAH: Bitch!
Don't you ever sing
the Queen's songs
when the Queen
is in front of you!
What the hell
were you thinking?
I'm sorry.
You wanna take me on?
- No.
- Liar.
You wouldn't be here if you
wasn't trying to replace me
and every other bitch
out here singin'.
How many albums have you had?
Four.
And no hits.
(GLASS CLINKS, WINE SLOSHES)
You out here, but I can see you still that
little girl in your daddy's living room.
You're singin'
everything and anything.
Shoop Shoop one day,
Skylark the next,
and then some
Billie Holiday blues.
Girl, you're
all over the place.
What do you wanna sing?
I don't know.
You don't know?
I want hits.
I just want hits.
Girl, you need to let go of that
"up with the race"
Booker T Washington
proper Negro shit.
That's not you.
Your daddy likes to pretend that's who he is,
but that's not who he is either.
Child, y'all church folks are some
of the nastiest people out here.
Ray Charles told me
that the best sex he ever had
was when he was singin'
on the gospel circuit.
Honey, find the songs
that suit you. That move you.
Until you do that,
you ain't goin' nowhere.
Put some teabags on that.
Take the puffiness down.
How's Big Mama?
She's all right.
The kids?
They're good.
Child, you ever gonna tell us
who their daddy is?
Ree-Ree?
- You wanna tell me what's wrong?
- I can't.
(PHONE RINGING)
JOHN: No answer.
CL: Call her again.
Oh. There we go. (CHUCKLES)
I didn't know you were comin'
in today, Daddy.
CL: You are 68 minutes late.
Mr. Hammond
asked me to come in.
You've been skipping interviews
and gigs.
The demon is back.
Ree has a tendency
to indulge her pain.
Can we talk about this
somewhere else?
John. John.
It's important that you understand
that this behavior
is not a reflection
of her upbringing or her race.
JOHN: Well, I've worked
with Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday,
Aretha is a saint
in comparison.
She wasn't raised
in a whorehouse like them.
She was raised in a proper home
with every convenience and luxury.
But still, a darkness would
descend on her.
I called it the demon.
She'd lock herself away,
wouldn't speak, move,
just wallow in
whatever imaginary...
I...
You told me before we came out here
that you had it under control.
I have control.
You keep complaining
that you don't have any hits.
This is why you don't have any hits.
Acting like a trifling...
Apologize to Mr. Hammond.
No, there's no need
to apologize.
That is not why I don't have hits.
You don't pick good songs for me.
Sorry for being late,
Mr. Hammond.
It won't happen again.
I'm ready to record
when you are.
Please excuse me while I go to
the ladies' room.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)
So, you gonna
come with us this weekend?
I have a gig.
We can go after your gig.
You work too hard.
- Not according to my daddy.
- (CHUCKLES)
Well, you need some fun.
Come with us.
Can you introduce me
to his friend?
I don't know him.
- (MUSIC STOPS)
- (PEOPLE EXCLAIM IN DISAPPOINTMENT)
- (MUSIC RESUMES)
- (PEOPLE CHEER)
You were supposed to
take me out in Detroit.
Yes, one of my singers ran into
a little trouble out of town,
so I had to take care of it.
I think my father said something to you
to make you reconsider.
(SCOFFS) That's a nice little fable
you got goin' on in your head.
(CHUCKLES)
I know what you do.
It doesn't bother me.
I know it doesn't bother you.
You're rebelling
against your daddy.
I don't mind.
Listen, you wanna use me
for my body,
you can use me, baby.
You can wring me dry.
You and me,
we've been through it.
So we can skip all the flowers
and the promises, and the love bullshit
and just have some fun.
I like fun.
And we'll have plenty of it.
I want one thing from you.
What?
To hear you sing.
Just for me.
What will I get in return?
The best night of your life.
Taxi!
I want you to think about me
when you sing tomorrow.
You're not coming home
with me?
No.
What about
the best night of my life?
I didn't say
it would be tonight.
(SINGING)
There was a boy
A very strange
enchanted boy
They say he
wandered very far
Very far over land and sea
A little shy
Sad of eye
But very wise was he
That very day
He passed my way
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Would you like
to take a break, Aretha?
No.
I'll get it right this time.
JOHN: Take 12.
(SONG CONTINUES)
You have all my records.
You like them?
I bought them.
Which one you like best?
They've all got something.
Is this one your favorite?
Or this?
What are you doing?
Or this one?
Went to 64 on the charts.
You didn't even open this one.
You don't like them?
I didn't say that.
Then say it.
I won't be upset.
No one does.
First, I've listened
to all your albums.
Including this one.
More than once.
Secondly, I love music.
I take it seriously.
I managed my first artist
when I was 15.
Thirdly, what you
experienced yesterday,
17 takes on one song?
That happens to me
every time I hear you sing.
My brain gets all
muddled.
Well, first,
my apologies for putting you
through so much pain.
- And secondly...
- Uh-huh.
...you should have never told me
about your Achilles' heel.
On our first date...
(SINGING) Jazz
(HUMMING)
(GROANS)
Damn it.
(LAUGHS)
Keep singing.
I didn't think you were comin'
home for two weeks.
- I miss my babies.
- (DOORBELL RINGS)
And y'all.
Who's that plate for?
Ted.
Sweet Jesus,
are you serious?
- What are you thinking?
- Please help me with Daddy.
- No...
- Help me.
Good Sunday, everybody.
What the hell is this?
You didn't tell them
I was coming?
I don't know what you think
you're doing here and I don't care.
Just leave. Now.
Aretha asked me to come
and Aretha can
ask me to leave.
I want him to stay.
This is my house.
Since when do you get to tell me
who gets to be in my house, Ree, huh?
I want you to
get to know him.
He's not what you think.
Are you pregnant again?
No!
We just wanna be together.
I love your daughter,
Reverend.
And I think she loves me.
I do.
- No! No!
- MAMA FRANKLIN: Oh, my Lord!
- Ree...
- MAMA FRANKLIN: Clarence! No!
Didn't I tell you
not to mess with me or mine?
- Didn't I tell you?
- Clarence!
Son, don't you let this man put your church
and your soul in jeopardy.
Reverend,
we have to figure this out.
I'm not going anywhere.
You can't see
through this hustler?
You're the greatest hustler
I ever seen.
Every night, she picks herself
apart because of you.
She thinks it's her hair,
her body, her voice.
She worries about failing you,
but it's your failure.
Get out! Just...
Daddy, I know
how busy you are.
You have so much
going on all the time.
Running a church,
the speakin' engagements,
managing Carolyn.
I know about your contract
at Horizon Records.
I was gonna tell you.
When?
When the damn album came out?
Nobody can tell you anything,
Ree. You're so jealous.
Jealous? Of you two?
You think you better than us?
- That's exactly what she's saying.
- No!
Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!
You are not leaving
this family
for that piece of trash.
I need a change.
I wanna sing
what I wanna sing
and I wanna dress
like I want to dress.
And I want Ted to manage me.
He's not worth the shit
at the bottom of my shoe.
So that means that you think
I'm worth less than that.
After all we've been through.
After all that
I've done for you.
I have to do this, Daddy.
You are going to
beg me to take you back.
But I won't.
I won't.
I'm gonna say goodbye
to my children.
- Okay.
- And then we'll go.
Okay.
(SIGHS)
Y'all not gonna
fix me a plate?
(SCOFFS, CLICKS TONGUE)
(ROCK SONG PLAYING)
(SHOUTING)
You keep beating up
these club owners,
there won't be any clubs
left for me to sing at.
No one disrespects us.
I just don't know
what else to do
after nine albums...
Yes, this is Ted White.
I'm calling to speak
to Mr. Whitfield.
Well, I'd like to speak to him
about Aretha Franklin.
- Mommy can't cook either.
- It's sticky!
(PHONE RINGING)
I'm gonna be honest with ya.
Your version of Skylark
is one of my favorite songs.
Thank you, Mr. Wexler.
Please, call me Jerry.
You know what Etta James said
when she heard it?
She said you pissed all over
that song
and she would never sing it again
in her entire life.
You ruined that song for Etta James.
That is how good it was.
And I'm not
bullshittin' ya, okay?
A lot of these guys out here will
say anything to get in your drawers,
but that's not me.
I'm sorry.
All right, I'm crude.
And you're a church girl,
and I should watch my mouth.
I'm sorry.
You do talk, don't ya?
Not just sing?
You are the sweetest thing,
Aretha.
I'd like you to call me
Miss Franklin.
Okay, Miss Franklin.
What songs would you
like to sing?
I want hits.
TED:
We're done with standards.
We want original songs
made for Aretha only.
Great! We are speaking
the same language, my man.
One of the songwriters I represent
wrote a good song for Aretha,
I Never Loved A Man.
Terrific. I've got
the perfect place to record it.
I'm working with this little
studio down in Alabama and...
Aretha's only recorded
in New York.
Yeah, I know that, but I think
that's part of the problem.
It's overproduced,
it's a little too polished.
I mean, these boys
down there...
"Boys"?
Don't be offended, all right?
I say boys because
they're young like Aretha...
Like Miss Franklin,
not because they're Negroes.
These guys are the best musicians
I have ever worked with in my life,
and that's saying something.
I've been doing this a long time.
They don't need
to read charts.
They just feel their way
through the music.
It's really something.
How does that sound to you?
Sounds good.
And I'm not controlling
like Hammond, okay?
I'm gonna give you plenty of space
to do your thing, all right?
This is your show,
Miss Franklin.
Your record.
Okay?
This is it?
What did all the glamor
at Columbia get me?
Do you know who
you're messing with?
"Do I know who I'm..." Do you know
who you're messing with, buddy?
You tryin' to
screw me over, Rick?
You in my town now, buddy!
This is my place!
It's my record!
Everything you see here is mine!
This is my record!
Miss Franklin, Ted,
welcome.
Jerry.
Nice to see you. Hello.
I'm Rick Hall.
This is my place.
(CHUCKLES)
You don't have any Negro
musicians in this town?
- Uh, we were just discussing that.
- Not today.
Not today?
There was
a miscommunication, Ted.
Negroes only allowed to pick cotton
in these parts, huh?
(SIGHS, CHUCKLES)
Percy Sledge had that same look on his face
when he first come in here.
And then
he heard 'em play
and he was very satisfied
with his record.
I think
you will be, too.
- Drink?
- We don't have time for this right now...
I like your style.
(CHUCKLES)
Where can I
get a jacket like that?
You'd have to
come to Harlem.
(LAUGHS)
Always wanted
to go to Harlem.
Yeah.
(JAZZ SONG PLAYING
ON RECORD)
You're a no good
heartbreaker
Who's this singin'?
The songwriter.
And you're a cheat
(LAUGHS)
Sings like a writer.
Rick, you want drums on this?
Or you just wanna keep it boring?
I don't know, Roger. You know
any good drummers around here?
Don't, actually.
It's just slow.
It's just a little slow.
MAN: Little slow, yeah.
All right!
Come on, guys!
Hang with me on this.
This is a good song!
It's a great song.
It is what it is.
All right. Let's see
what we can make of it.
RICK:
Hey, Spooner.
You wanna keep that shuffle on there
or straighten it out?
Let's straighten it out.
Straighten it out.
Straightening out.
(GUITAR PLAYING)
Put some fatback on it.
Yeah, like a King Curtis deal?
Yeah...
(PIANO PLAYING)
Hey, man, that's groovy.
All right, let's go with that.
Yeah.
(ALL INSTRUMENTS PICK UP)
(SINGING) You're a no good
heartbreaker
You're a liar
and you're a cheat
And I don't know why
I let you
do these things...
Okay, let's hold up.
Hold up. It sounds like
Sunday morning service in there.
Yeah, I was just about to say,
it's a little too churchy, guys.
I liked it.
Let's find a different
pocket, all right?
Something with more swing.
Speed it up.
Yeah.
No, don't speed it up.
Follow me.
(PIANO PLAYING)
(GUITAR PICKS UP)
(DRUMS PICK UP)
(SINGING)
Friends keep telling me
That you ain't no good
But oh, they don't know
I would leave you
if I could
Stop. Stop.
It's too busy.
Let the song do the work.
Yeah, stop showing off, guys.
Yeah, boys, if you're trying to impress me,
it's not working.
Yeah, and more importantly,
it's startin' to piss me off.
Maybe we should do something closer to
the original arrangement.
- Nah.
- No, it's done.
(PIANO PLAYING)
MAN 1:
You kept steppin' on me.
You were all over the neck.
I couldn't tell what you were doing.
I'm all over the neck?
Find your lane, Jimmy.
MAN 2: Look who's talkin'.
They could hear your crash in Texas.
MAN 1: Well, my
horn arrangement's killer.
Y'all let me know
when you're ready to hear it.
You gonna save the song, Jack?
As I have on many an occasion,
okay.
Okay.
- Good job, Jack.
- MAN: How about that.
(MAN LAUGHS)
Spooner's got it!
Spooner's got it!
MAN: Yeah, he does.
(OTHER INSTRUMENTS PICK UP)
(SINGING) You're a no good
heartbreaker
You're a liar
You're a cheat
I don't know why
I let you
do these things to me
Friends keep telling me
That you ain't no good
But oh, they don't know
- (LAUGHS)
- Go on, baby.
I'd leave you if I could
I guess I'm uptight
And I'm stuck like glue
'Cause I ain't never
I ain't
I ain't never, oh, no
Loved a man
The way that I
I love you, yeah
(ON RECORDING)
Sometime ago I thought
That you had
run out of fools
But I was so wrong
You got one that
you'll never lose
That is rocking.
Yeah, it sounds
pretty good.
I can do better.
It's like the perfect mixture
of gospel, blues...
And sex.
Baby, that's some of the best singin'
and playin' I've ever heard.
I want to overdub some backgrounds
on the chorus.
You know, I was just thinkin' about that.
We can bring in some local talent...
No, I want to do it.
Okay, even better.
Save me some money.
Jerry.
- Let me talk to you for a moment.
- Okay, okay.
Had a rocking thing on it.
MAN: Yeah, it did.
It was rocking.
The way that I, I love you
I wasn't lookin' at nobody.
I was trying to do my work.
He was looking at you.
Thought he was gonna get him
some nigger tail.
Pack the bags.
It sounded good.
Real good.
It was really comin' together,
and you had to show your ignorant ass.
I oughta leave you here and
let those crackers have a go at you.
This was the best
I ever sounded.
Couldn't you hear that?
We'll finish this
in New York.
With my musicians.
Your musicians ain't shit.
You're not about to
mess this up for me.
- Where the hell do you think you're going?
- I've waited too long for this.
Where the...
Like hell you are.
You don't know who you're
fucking with! Come here!
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
RICK: Ted, it's Rick Hall.
Open up.
This cracker here.
(DOOR LATCH CLICKING)
RICK:
Evenin'.
May I come inside?
No.
I thought
we should talk.
I got nothin' to say
to your hillbilly ass.
I wish you
wouldn't call me names.
Do I call you names?
And what would you
like to call me, whitey?
I come here
to make peace.
No, I don't wanna make peace
with you, cracker.
I come here to tell you that I fired
that horn player who was troublin' you.
And how'd it feel to take orders
from a nigger?
(CHUCKLES)
You know,
I don't hate you
'cause you're a...
A Negro.
I hate you 'cause
you're a giant asshole.
Don't you ever step foot near
my studio again, all right?
Miss Franklin,
you are welcome at any...
Don't you talk to my wife,
cracker!
Now, you keep pushin' me...
Yeah, what you
gonna do, redneck?
- And you keep pushin' me...
- Peckerwood!
Now, you gonna "redneck" me
one more time
and you gonna "whitey" me
one more time
- and I'm gonna "nigger" you!
- (SHOUTS)
Bitch, call me
a nigger again.
(BOTH GRUNTING)
RICK: Call me a bitch again.
You stupid-ass bitch!
- (BOTH GRUNTING)
- (OBJECTS CLATTERING)
(CAR DOOR SHUTS)
You hungry?
I'm all right.
Come on now, baby.
Come on, come on.
Come to Grandma. Come on.
MAMA FRANKLIN: Ree is home!
That bastard...
I'm gonna kill him.
You here for long?
I'm not sure.
(RESPEC PLAYING ON RECORD)
All I'm asking
is for a little respect
When I come home
Hey now
Hey, hey, hey
Hey
(KIDS LAUGHING)
Did Aretha Franklin call?
- WOMAN: No.
- No?
Get it, Momma!
(SINGING)
If you wanna
You can do me wrong
Call Ted White.
But all I'm asking is
for a little respect
When I come home
Do that thing, Momma!
Just start callin'
everybody on that list.
Give me more mashed potato.
(WOMEN LAUGH)
Hey, little girl
You're sweeter than honey
Oh, I'm about to give you
Come on, Mama Franklin!
Now, let's see you dance!
- (PHONE RINGING)
- All right!
A little respect
when I come home
Hey, hey, hey
(LAUGHS)
Hello?
She isn't here.
And if you
touch her again, I'll...
Go to hell.
All my money
Okay.
And all I want to do
Is get me some respect
Respect when I get home
Hey, hey, hey
- Mind if I sing with y'all?
- Me too!
Hey, hey, hey
That's what I need
That's what I want
That's what I need
Your momma cut her first record
at that store.
Jesus Be A Fence.
Folks lined up around the block
to buy it.
They lined up
to buy your records, too.
CL: I'm about to tell 'em
that story now.
Momma...
Ain't that...
Don't say "ain't."
But ain't that you singing?
(OVER SPEAKER) But, oh, oh, oh
They don't know
They...
They released that?
That I'd leave you
if I could
All right!
(GASPS, LAUGHS)
(ALL LAUGHING)
It's a hit!
Ree, it sounds wonderful.
(LAUGHS)
Don't you think so, baby?
It's amazing, Ree.
CAROLYN:
That's my sister!
It's amazing.
That's your momma singing!
That's amazing!
The way that I
I love you
That's your momma singing!
(PHONE RINGS)
Hello?
ARETHA: Mr. Wexler...
I'm ready to record.
Oh.
Thank God.
I want to record
with the Muscle Shoals band.
Those boys have soul.
Yes, they do. They do.
And I want to provide
the backup singers.
(SINGING) Woman
You've gotta be a do-right
Do-right, do-right
All-night man
Do-right, do-right
Man
Yeah
They say that
it's a man's world
But you can't
prove that by me
And as long as
we're together, baby
Show some respect for me
'Cause if you
want a do-right
Do-right, do-right
- ARETHA: All-day
- Do-right, do-right
ARETHA: Woman
CHORUS: Woman
(SINGING)
Sittin' 'round
Me and my man
Be it my mother
My brother
(DOOR OPENS)
Sorry.
You can't treat me
like that.
I know.
I got demons too, Ree.
Can you help me fight mine the way
I help you fight yours?
Please.
I'm so sorry.
I will help you, baby.
I love you so much.
I love you, too.
(DR. FEELGOOD PLAYING)
'Cause company's
all right with me
Every, every once
in a while
Yeah
Oh, when me
and that man...
Ree, we've been talkin'.
How's Clara doin'?
- She's fine.
- She's good.
- Is Daddy ever gonna marry Clara?
- (WOMEN CHUCKLE)
I'm surprised
she's stayed this long.
Why would she leave?
They're church royalty.
The same reason
they all leave.
Same reason Momma left.
The same reason
you need to leave Ted.
Ted is nothing
like Daddy.
The way you two go at it?
Just like Momma and Daddy.
Momma and Daddy
didn't fight.
(WOMEN LAUGH)
Wait...
You're not joking?
Joking about what?
You don't remember?
Even I remember,
and I was just three or four.
Remember what?
Aretha,
we used to
climb up on the roof
and sing as loud as we could
to drown them out.
How could you forget?
I still have
nightmares about it.
Well, I was glad
when Momma finally left.
Why did you leave?
You don't remember?
Remember what?
Nothing.
ARETHA: (SINGING)
What you want
You know I got it
What you need
You know I got
What are you doing?
Get Erma.
Sure thing.
(ARETHA HUMS)
Oh, yeah
What you want
You know I got it
What you need
Ooh, you know I got it
All I'm askin'
Is for
For
(SCATS)
Give me...
BOTH:
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
One more time.
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Go a third below, Carolyn.
Just a little bit
Yeah.
Just a little bit
ARETHA: Yes.
Just a little bit
Yeah.
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Yeah, baby
Just a little bit
Take it home
Just a little bit
Sock it to me
Just...
Sock it to me
Oh, Big Mama...
What the hell?
It's almost 3:00 a.m.
We're writin' a hit song.
It's Otis Redding's song.
- Just a little bit.
- (CHUCKLES)
(ERMA CHUCKLES)
Oh, God...
You really like it?
- It's wonderful, Ree.
- It's great.
You're sure?
Don't do that.
Y'all tell me if
you don't really like it.
- I like it.
- I love it.
We love it, Ree.
Ree-Ree.
- Re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re
- Re-re-re
- Ree
- Re-re
(ALL CHUCKLE)
Re-re-re
Re-re-re-re
Re-re-re-re
Re-re-re-re
Re-re-re-re
That's really good.
Respect
Just a little bit
- Yeah!
- (ALL CHEERING)
What a line!
R-E-S-P-E-C- Find out what
it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C- Take care, TCB
(OTHER INSTRUMENTS PICK UP)
I need a Harlem bassline,
Tommy. Not Alabama.
Hmm. Well, I ain't been
to Harlem yet.
But let's funk it up.
ARETHA: That's nice.
That is groovy!
Come on in, Spooner.
What ya got?
I'm gonna keep it simple.
Like you always do.
That's groovy.
Oh, it's her song now.
- Otis who?
- (BOTH LAUGH)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
You know I got it?
All I'm askin'
is for a little respect
When you come home
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Hey, baby
When you get home
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
I ain't gonna do you wrong
while you gone
I ain't gonna do you wrong
'cause I don't wanna
But all I'm askin'
is for a little respect
When you come home
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Yeah, baby
When you get home
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Yes, sir
I'm about to give you
all of my money
And all I'm askin'
in return, honey
Is to give me my propers
when you get home
Just a, just a, just a
Yeah, baby
When you get home
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Ooh, your kisses
Sweeter than honey
And guess what?
So is my money
But all I want you
to do for me
Is give me some
respect
(CHORUS HUMS)
Yeah, baby
Bring it to me
Listen
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
R-E-S-P-E-C- Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C- Take care, TCB
Sock it to me
Sock it to me
A little respect
Just a little bit
I got to have
Just a little bit
Bring it home
Just a little bit
Respect
Just a little bit
(CROWD CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
CROWD: Aretha! Aretha! Aretha!
Smokey!
Nobody is talking
about Motown anymore.
All they want to talk about
is Aretha Franklin.
You did it, Ree.
- I did it.
- Yes, you did.
TED: What did you wish for?
More hits.
(ALL LAUGH)
Aretha Franklin,
you are the Queen of Soul.
What is soul music?
The musician having
the biggest influence on this genre
is Grammy winning soul singer,
Aretha Franklin.
From a young age, I saw Aretha possess
extraordinary talent.
Ted is my husband, manager,
and favorite critic.
Hello, Ted.
Right now, gospel is
the main influence
on contemporary
rhythm and blues,
and that's due to Aretha.
Others have mixed
gospel and so-called
secular music before her,
but Aretha puts a unique spin on it
that people can relate to.
It's always great
when families sing together
because there's a language
between siblings
that you can't recreate
with just hired hands.
Ain't No Way is a song
written by Carolyn for Aretha,
and something Aretha can
relate to because,
I think, they know each other
so well.
Show me how the melody goes
in the verse.
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING)
Ain't no way
For me to love you
If you won't let me
That's it.
Let me try.
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING)
Ain't no way
For me to love you
If you won't let me
It ain't no way
For me to give you
all you need
(OTHER INSTRUMENTS PICK UP)
If you won't let me
give all of me
(VOCALIZING)
I know that a woman's duty
Is to help and love a man
And that's the way
it was planned
Oh, but how can I
How can I, how can I
Give you
all the things I can
If you're tying
Both of my hands
Oh, it ain't no way
Ain't no way
It ain't no way
Yeah
Ain't no way
It just ain't no way, baby
Ain't no way
Ain't no way, baby
Ain't no way
Ain't no way
For me to love you
If you won't let me
Stop tryin' to be
someone you're not
How cold
and cruel is a man
Who paid too much
for what he got?
And if you need me
like you say
Say you do
Oh, then please
Please, please
Don't you know
that I need you?
Oh, it ain't no way
(VOCALIZING)
It ain't no way
Baby, ain't no way
It sure ain't no way
Ain't no way, baby
So it fades right here?
You genius you.
You really feelin' this one,
aren't you, Ree?
I love it.
(ERMA CHUCKLES)
I can tell.
See, so, she's just being
completely honest
in a song about
what she feels
at any given moment.
And that's why
the audience relates to her.
I'm still trying
to figure out who I am.
I'm not sure yet,
but I'm trying to find the answer.
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
Now,
I am here to honor Aretha.
Or Ree, as I like to call her...
(CHUCKLES)
...for her tireless work
for the Civil Rights Movement.
Every time
I ask Aretha to sing
at a fundraiser,
church event,
or a conference,
she shows up.
(CROWD AGREES)
No matter where she is
or what she's doing,
she always answers the call.
And I am honored
to present Aretha
with this
proclamation today.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
And I wish that every day
was Aretha Franklin Day!
We love you, Aretha!
After all of that there's really only
one thing left to say, right?
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING) Lookin' out
on the mornin' rain
I used to feel
so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me
feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you're the key
to my peace of mind
'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me
Feel like a natural woman
Woman
Oh, baby
What you've done to me
What you've done to me
You make me feel
so good inside
Good inside
And I just wanna be
Wanna be
Close to you
You make me feel so alive
Excuse me, Miss Franklin.
I'm so sorry to bother you,
- but I just have to tell you.
- It's all right.
When you sing,
I feel like you are talking
about my life.
It helps me,
because it is hard out here.
But I feel like you
understand,
and, well,
I just have to thank you.
Stay strong.
TED: Okay.
Yes, thank you.
Thank you very much.
We have to go now.
I'm flying to Atlanta tomorrow
to do a benefit for SNCC.
Cancel it.
I have some meetings
and interviews lined up.
No.
Daddy and Martin asked me
to do it. I'm going.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)
JERRY: Aretha!
Jerry.
I love when you call me Jerry.
It means you're not mad at me.
Hello, Ted.
Jerry.
Come on in.
MAN: Everyone wants you,
Miss Franklin.
We've got interest in France,
England, Germany...
JERRY: All right, we don't have to name
every country. All of Europe.
The entire continent wants you
and I think we should schedule something.
We should schedule a tour
that coincides with the new album.
We could do that or we could
send her out now
to create an appetite
for the new record.
I think that's best. I have
six venues ready to clear this...
And who are you,
brother?
Ken Cunningham.
I'm the tour manager.
TED: Tour manager?
So, you already
booked the tour?
It's not booked.
TED: No, he said
the venues was ready.
JERRY: That's right.
They were available if we want 'em.
You have to
gauge interest early for it.
- I know how a tour works.
- JERRY: Okay.
- No.
- No what?
TED: No European tour dates.
JERRY: Why not?
TED: Because we have some TV dates
we'd like to schedule first.
Oh, yeah? With whom?
Carol Burnett, Andy Williams.
Mike Douglas.
All right. So, those shows will be there
when she gets back.
We have a chance here to expand
her reach around the world.
To make her
a global superstar.
Do you know
what a rare opportunity that is?
We're considering
some movie offers as well.
JERRY: Movies?
Aretha. You wanna do movies?
I think I could.
Of course you could.
You could do
any damn thing you want.
You thought you could
just bring us in here,
tell us where to go, what to do,
and send us on our way?
You should know by now, Jerry,
that is not the way I do business.
Ken, how much money
could Aretha make on the tour?
Quarter of a million.
JERRY: Carol Burnett
payin' that?
Movies payin' that?
We'll consider it.
With the right band.
JERRY: All right. Well, the Muscle Shoals
guys have started their own label.
King Curtis is ready to go.
- Curtis is rockin'.
- JERRY: He's perfect for you.
Curtis is good, but I've got
some people lined up.
Really? Five minutes ago,
you didn't wanna go on this tour.
Now, you've got
people lined up?
Check the tone, Jerry.
Just take it easy, Ted.
I'm sorry.
Forgive me for my tone.
What musicians
do you have lined up, Ted?
TED: George Davidson.
Miller Brisker.
Russell Conway.
All right. You can't have
the premier singer of our time
touring Europe with a ragtag
bunch of amateurs
suitable for backing some
third-rate blues singer
in a bucket of blood
in Loserville, Louisiana.
I want to use Ted's musicians,
Mr. Wexler.
"Mr. Wexler?"
Oh, God...
Aretha, please.
Can we move on to the next item
on the agenda, please?
Whatever you say,
Miss Franklin.
KEN: So, they do this funny thing in Amsterdam
when they really love a performer.
They pelt them with flowers.
Pardon me.
I warned them
not to get too crazy with it,
but you might
get hit with a few.
After the show, please.
After the show.
Right through this door.
Watch your step.
(SINGING)
Chain chain chain
Chain chain chain
Chain chain chain
Chain chain chain
Chain chain chain
Chain of fools
For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I'm just a link
in your chain
Ya got me
where you want me
I ain't nothin'
but your fool
Ya treated me mean, yeah
Oh, you treated me cruel
Chain chain chain
Chain of fools
Now every chain
Has got a weak link
I might be weak, yeah
But I'll give you strength
You told me
to leave you alone
Fix this
or I'll have your job.
My father said
"Come on home"
My doctor said
"Take it easy"
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Aretha! Aretha!
(SPEAKING IN DUTCH)
Can you comment on the recent
Time magazine cover story?
Oh, I haven't read it yet,
but it is a great honor to grace the cover
of such a prestigious magazine.
(REPORTERS CLAMORING)
TRANSLATOR: This Time article says
that your husband beat you in a hotel lobby.
Excuse me?
Is this true?
No more questions!
Let's go!
Move.
It's a lie!
It's a dirty lie!
Get off! Come here!
No, that's too low.
I want ten million dollars.
(PHONE CLATTERS, THUDS)
They're gonna be sorry
they wrote this shit.
And you know, your daddy,
he doesn't come across too well either.
He may wanna
sue 'em his damn self.
How are you gonna prove
that you didn't hit me?
You did and everyone saw it!
Another man would have
killed you by now.
Crazy way you act.
Get out of my way.
What are you gonna do, huh?
What are you gonna do?
- I mean it.
- (BREATHING HEAVILY)
You would still be singing some
Al Jolson shit if it wasn't for me.
- I wrote half your hits.
- (CHUCKLES)
Are you laughing at me?
You know damn well
you didn't write one word.
One note of anything.
I just let you put your name on it
to keep you from throwing a fit.
I Never Loved A Man
came from me. My songwriter!
That song wasn't anything
until I rearranged it.
And I sang the hell out of it
because it was about you.
You're a lying, no good,
just useless, psychopath.
- (GRUNTS)
- No!
I'm done with you.
Yeah, you've said that before.
You wait until
your demons come back!
After livin' with you,
I'm ready for 'em.
(CROWD CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
This song goes out
to anyone who has
ever felt mistreated.
Two, three, four.
(PIANO PLAYING)
(SINGING) You better think
Think
Think about what you're
trying to do to me
Think
Think think
Let your mind go
let yourself be free
Let's go back
Let's go back
Let's go way on
way back when
I didn't even know you
You couldn't have been
too much more than 10
Just a child
I ain't no psychiatrist
I ain't no doctor
with degree
But it don't take
too much high IQ
To see what
you're doing to me
You better think
Think
Think about what you're
trying to do to me
Yeah, think
Think think
Let your mind go
let yourself be free
Oh, freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
(MUSIC MUFFLED)
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
(MUSIC RETURNS
TO NORMAL VOLUME)
Hey, think about it
You, think about it
There ain't nothing
you could ask
I could
answer you with I won't
CHORUS: And I won't
But I was gonna change
but I'm not
'Cause you keep
doing things I don't
You better think
Think
Think about what you're
trying to do to me
I said think
Think
Let your mind go
let yourself be free
And you need me
Need me
And I need you
Don't you know
Without each other
There ain't nothing
we can do
Think
Think about it right now
What you're trying
to do to me
Think about it
You better think
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
- (KEYS JANGLE)
- (SWITCH CLICKS)
Thank you.
I have some trash
I need taken downstairs.
Right now, please.
Just come over.
I know.
I don't care.
Just be with me.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
You sure that
ain't too much, Ree?
Listen, you're about
to have the meal of your life.
She put her foot in there.
Smell it.
- Yes, I did, yes, I did.
- She put somethin' in there.
Put her foot in, she did.
I don't know.
That smells funny.
- Darlin', get outta there.
- (PHONE RINGING)
- You want me to get that, Ree?
- Yes, answer.
Get outta here!
All right, put it back.
Hello?
ARETHA: And that's me.
This will bring Big Mama
to her knees, honey.
You goin' to Hell for that.
Hey. (CHUCKLES)
She knows.
No, no, no...
No, no, no...
CECIL: What's wrong?
What's wrong?
Hello?
What is it?
What?
(VOICE BREAKING)
What?
It's Martin.
They...
CECIL: Oh, God...
They shot him.
CECIL: Oh, God...
ARETHA: (SINGING)
I wanna say it one more time
(CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING)
For the broken-hearted
I want you to take my hand
Lord, lead me on home
'Cause we gotta stand
Lord knows I get tired
Lord knows I get weak
And, oh, every day
Every day
I'm worn
But, oh, Jesus
Through the storm
(HUMS)
(SIGHS)
(CROWD APPLAUDING SOFTLY)
Lord, I need you to
Hold my hand
'Cause you a precious Lord
(HUMS)
Precious Lord
(HUMS)
Lead us home
(CROWD APPLAUDS SOFTLY)
He kept telling me
that they were
gonna get him.
But I said, "Martin, the Lord
has more for you to do.
"You're gonna be
all right."
But he knew.
He knew.
Other ministers
were jealous of him,
but I never was.
He was my friend.
I ministered him,
advised him.
Prayed with him.
More time than I can count.
I loved him, Ree.
He loved you.
Who's gonna lead us now?
They don't listen
to me anymore.
You still have
the biggest church in Detroit.
I still know
how to get 'em goin'.
I do.
CLARA: Can I join you?
No. I just wanna talk to Ree.
Can I do that?
- Can I just talk to Ree?
- Of course you can.
- Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.
- Of course you can.
I'll be right there
when you need me.
They need leadership, Ree.
You should see the way
these fools
are steppin' over Martin's body
to be in charge.
I don't want
no part of that.
And these young revolutionaries
out here,
they don't want
no part of what we built.
They want to free our people.
They all talk.
Not all of them.
I like Angela Davis.
She don't care about
public opinion
and she's not afraid to speak up
to those pigs or anyone else.
- Pigs?
- Yes, pigs.
You saw what they did to us
during the rebellion.
Riots.
Why shouldn't
we fight back?
And start a full-on war?
You think we can win that?
We're tired of
gettin' our heads kicked in.
Non-violence got us our civil rights
and our right to vote.
At what price?
Our souls?
Our dignity?
Hmm.
I've been thinking.
We should
hit the road again.
Why not?
A northern tour.
- Me preachin' and you singin'.
- Mm-mm.
Just think on it.
You don't gotta
decide tonight.
I'm not doing that, Daddy.
I know you got your very busy tourin'
and recordin' schedule.
This won't interfere with that.
I won't interfere with that.
No.
I'm done with that.
I can't go back
to headlining with you.
You're not walkin'
in the spirit anymore. (SNIFFS)
That is not true.
You're drinking
and you're whoring around.
Same as you!
You not too old for me
to knock you on your ass!
- You know that, right?
- Is everything all right?
Just mind your own business!
I'm talkin' to...
Don't talk to her like that.
Have you lost
your mind? Huh?
Maybe.
Maybe I found it.
- Come on, let's get you to bed.
- Just...
Just don't.
(SOFTLY)
I heard your conversation.
I'm not sorry.
No, you ain't got
nothin' to be sorry for.
Just do
your thing, Ree.
And you do it as big
and as loud
and as long as you can.
Please, just
listen to it again, okay?
I have a great feeling about
this song,
and The Beatles
are getting restless.
They said if you don't do it,
they will.
The song is Catholic, Jerry.
I'm a Baptist.
That's crazy.
They caught Angela Davis.
- What?
- That can't be right.
No, no, no.
NEWSREADER: Angela Davis,
a young Black militant
who has been hunted
for nearly two months
on murder
and kidnapping charges,
was arrested yesterday
at a hotel in midtown Manhattan
by agents of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation.
Angela Davis must go free.
Black people will be free.
My daddy says I don't know
what I'm doing.
I respect him, of course,
but I have to stick by my beliefs.
You have to disturb the peace
when you can't get no peace.
What the hell is this tour schedule?
Half the damn dates are gone!
All right, all right, we were just about
to have a talk with you about this.
We?
We're not having
a family barbecue?
This is one of these
Ken hippie talks?
I told you
this wasn't gonna work.
Just breathe.
Put the damn dates back.
Don't do it, Cecil.
Listen, Ree...
You work for me, Cecil.
CECIL: You overbook.
You don't show up for half the dates,
then I have to deal with the fallout.
It's your damn job!
ERMA: We're trying
to help you.
Aretha, you need
to slow down.
You stop for five minutes,
they forget all about you.
That's ridiculous.
How would you know, Erma?
You barely have one hit.
KEN: Ree, you haven't
slept in months.
CAROLYN: And you look like it.
You don't want me to tell you
what you look like, Carolyn.
Well, next time
you have a breakdown,
don't call us, all right?
I won't.
Come on, let's go outside.
Come on.
ARETHA: And don't call me
when you need a gig
or you want me to write liner notes
in your jive-ass album
or introduce you
to some producers,
or just borrow some cash
that your ass never pay back.
If I don't work,
y'all don't eat.
Right.
Put the damn dates
back, Cecil.
Three venues in three states
in three days.
- Happy now?
- Yes, I am.
And don't ever pull that
bullshit with me again.
I know how to run
my damn business.
You asked me.
Y'all just wanna
take my crown.
- Oh, God.
- Please.
Ree, think about our son.
This isn't good for him.
Don't tell me
I'm a bad mother.
- Here comes the paranoia.
- KEN: I never said that!
Olga, bring Miss Franklin
a fruit juice.
Don't you dare.
What you staring at?
Go get my lunch.
Yes, ma'am.
Tell me y'all don't want
what I got.
CECIL: All right, forget it!
I can't talk to you
when that demon takes hold.
You don't know
what I go through.
Y'all don't know
what I've been through!
We love you, Ree.
Why can't you
see that, Ree?
Get the hell out of my house.
No, don't move.
We're going to deal with this, Ree.
Out!
Out!
Out!
Come on, baby, please...
Ree, listen to me.
They're here to help you.
(PIANO PLAYING)
Please.
It's your family.
Teddy! Calf!
Come help your momma sing now.
(SINGING) To be young
Gifted, and Black
Oh, what a
lovely precious thing
BOY:
Young, gifted, and Black
Oh, what a
lovely precious thing
Say it again.
To be young
Gifted, and Black
Open your heart
to what I mean
When you're young
Gifted, and Black
Your soul's intact
I'm gonna take the kids
back to Detroit with me.
I think that's best.
KEN: What are you
thinking right now?
Just things.
What things?
Private things.
After all this time,
you're still keepin' stuff from me?
You don't keep stuff from me?
No.
You should.
Why? I trust you.
Don't you trust me?
Sometimes.
What do I have to do
to make it all the time?
Just let me be.
I know what to do.
Mm.
KEN: Be here with me. Just let
your mind go quiet for a moment.
That would be easy if you
stopped talking.
(CHUCKLES)
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I have to make some calls.
You don't
have to call anyone, Ree.
You don't know
what I have to do.
Don't go to that dark place.
Come here.
Come here.
Tell me what's wrong, baby.
You're shaking.
You act so tough.
I can see that
little scared girl in you.
(GROANING)
Shit!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
It's all right.
Shit!
She can't do it, Cecil.
CECIL:
Put her on the phone.
She's asleep right now.
Her migraine.
Man, who do you
think you're bullshittin'?
Tell Ree, she's gonna
get sued again.
(PHONE CLICKS)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
PRESENTER: Ladies and gentlemen,
the Queen of Soul,
- Miss Aretha Franklin!
- (MUSIC PLAYING)
Ree!
Hey, let us help you.
KEN: Please.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(SINGING) I say a little prayer
for you
Moment I wake up
Before I put on my makeup
CHORUS: Makeup
Prayer for you
Combing my hair now
Wonderin' what dress
to wear now
Wear now
Say a little
Prayer for you
Forever and ever
you'll stay in my heart
And I will love you
Forever and ever
we never will part
Oh, how I love you
Together, forever
That's how it must be
To live without you
Only bring
heartbreak for me
I run for the bus, dear
While ridin' I think of us
CHORUS: Us, dear
Prayer for you
And all through my coffee
Break time
(MUSIC MUFFLED)
(PEOPLE CLAMORING)
Ree? Can you hear me?
Don't move.
- Your arm?
- MAN: Someone get a medic!
KEN: Come here, baby,
come here.
Roll over. Roll over.
Stay back!
KEN: I got you, I got you.
MAN 1: Back please.
Get back, please.
- (GROANS)
- Keep back, please!
MAN 2: Is she okay?
It's gonna be all right, Ree.
I can't do this anymore.
(PHONE RINGING)
(GROANS)
(WHIMPERS, SOBBING SOFTLY)
Please...
Please...
(SINGING)
Amazing Grace
- How sweet the sound
- (SOBS)
That saved a wretch
Like me
I once was lost
But now am found
Our Father...
Was blind
- But now
- Which art in Heaven...
I see
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
You always did know
how to make an entrance.
James.
All right.
Okay. You come and sit.
Come on.
What y'all wanna sing?
MAN: And...
(SINGING)
In the morning...
An all-gospel record
has a very limited audience.
I don't care.
You do care.
You sat in that office
with me six years ago,
and you said
you wanted to make hits,
and I think you still do.
I'm making this album, Jerry.
All right, can you
just hear me out, please?
I'm making this album, or I'll never
make an album with you again.
All I wanna do
is drink now, Jerry.
Well, let me get you
into a program.
I'm in a program,
but I need the church.
I need the spirit.
It has always gotten me through,
and it will get me through again.
Okay. Well, can we just...
I mean, just think about this...
This album is not for me
or for you or anybody else.
This album is for God.
And you can't jive God, Jerry,
so stop trying.
- (LAUGHS)
- JERRY: Oh.
I'm not trying to jive you
or Jesus, okay?
It's the gospel record.
It's 1972, for Christ's sake.
Sorry. I...
Hey,
how about we make a documentary
film to go along with the record?
Why?
So, the international fans,
the hippies,
the atheists like me
can see you in your element
and understand
the music that made you.
You mean
for white people?
Well, I...
All right. Yes.
That's a great idea.
(LAUGHS) Okay. Well, good.
So, you're not gonna leave me?
We're not done yet.
Oh, boy. What?
I want to
produce the album, too.
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS)
All right. Okay. Okay.
CHOIR: (SINGING)
Flood my soul
Hold! Hold!
You have to do something
with the longer notes.
You're not giving yourself
anywhere to go.
Start straight, then hit the vibrato
halfway through.
MAN: Tension
and release, y'all.
Yes, and this song
is a lot more deliberate.
- Mm.
- JAMES: Yeah?
Take it from
where we left off.
"In the stillness."
CHOIR: (SINGING)
In...
In the stillness
Yeah, that's it.
Of...
Of the midnight
Oh, Lord
Sacred
Sacred secrets
Secrets
- Secrets
- JAMES: Oh, yes
He'll unfold
(CLAPS) Thank you!
Oh, Lord
Inside I was
(VOCALIZING)
Said I remember
I remember my dear mother
Lord, she used to pray
Oh, sweet
Sweet
Sweet precious memories
In my soul
And in these times
She taught me to pray
Yes
Yes, she did
Oh, Lord
(HUMS)
Oh
Oh, Lord
Okay, all right,
we're gonna take a ten.
Let's take ten.
Let's...
(SOBBING)
Are you all right?
I can't make
a fool out of myself.
There's gonna be
a film crew here.
(SNIFFS)
And if I break down like I did right now,
they gonna think I lost my mind.
Ree...
Ree, the spirit
is the spirit.
It moves when it moves.
What you want us to do?
Behave like Episcopalians?
Now what's
really bothering you?
You told me once
that music
would save my life.
I did.
What if it doesn't?
The demon is strong.
Ain't no demon
hauntin' you, Ree.
There never was.
Just the pain you've been
runnin' from your whole life.
But you gotta let it go, Ree.
Give it to God.
It wasn't your fault.
(SNIFFS)
And He knows that.
I don't know about tomorrow
or the concert or the album
or the documentary.
You in church right now.
You're safe.
So, Ree,
let's have church.
(CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING)
Daddy.
It's good to see you.
We were in California, and we heard
that you were singing gospel, and...
Clara dragged me here.
Clara can't make you
do anything.
She's got pretty feisty
since you last saw her.
Glad you came.
That surprises me, 'cause we haven't
been getting on as of late.
You told me
I wasn't walking in the spirit.
I was angry.
You were with God.
You have always
been with God.
He was with me.
I tried to run from Him,
but He brought me back.
Like Jonah.
Like Jonah.
You taught me every song
I'm singing today.
I did my best.
But you have exceeded
all of my expectations, Ree.
I'm about to bust wide open,
and you're just getting started.
I can't imagine
what you're gonna do next.
Because you can
do anything, Ree.
First, give an honor to God,
who's the head
of all our lives.
- (CONGREGATION APPLAUDING)
- Yes. Amen.
JAMES: I'm sure you all have noticed
the cameras by now.
Don't get distracted by it.
We here to have church, right?
CONGREGATION: Amen!
JAMES: All right.
This is the first
religious recordin'
by our First Lady of Soul.
Give a warm round of applause
for Miss Aretha Franklin.
(CONGREGATION CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
We love you.
(CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING)
(PIANO PLAYING)
(HUMS)
(SINGING)
Amazing
(CONGREGATION APPLAUDING)
Amazing grace
How
How sweet
The
The sound
That
Oh, that saved
A wretch
Like me
I, I, I once
Was
Was lost
But, but now
CONGREGATION MEMBER:
That's right!
(HUMS)
I'm found
I was blind
But now
I see
Amen. Amen.
Through, through
Through
Through
Through many
Dangers
And toils
Toils and snares
I been in the midst
of the storm
I've already
I've already come
Don't you know that it was
It was
It was grace
Grace that brought me
Safe
So safe
Safe
Thus far
And don't you know
That same old grace
Will lead
Me right home
Right home
Right home
Right on home
(CONGREGATION CHEERING,
APPLAUDING LOUDLY)
([YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE]
A NATURAL WOMAN PLAYING)
Looking out
on the morning rain
I used to feel
so uninspired
When I knew I had
to face another day
Lord, it made me
feel so tired
Before the day I met you
life was so unkind
But you're the key
to my peace of mind
'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel
like a natural woman
When my soul was
in the lost and found
A lot of good men
came along to claim it
Oh, yeah!
I didn't know
just what was wrong with me
Until his kiss
helped me name it
I'm no longer doubtful
of what I'm living for
'Cause if I make it happen
I don't need to do more
'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel
like a natural woman
Like a natural woman, yes
Baby, what you done to me
What you done to me
You make me feel
so, so, so good inside
And I, I just wanna be
Wanna be
I wanna get next to the man
that makes me feel so alive
You make me feel
You make me feel
He makes me feel
He makes me feel like a
You make me feel
like a natural woman
I feel like, I feel like
Oh, yes, oh, yes
Woman
He makes me feel
He makes me feel like
You make me feel like
A natural woman
He makes me feel
You make me feel
He makes me feel like
I feel like
You make me feel like
a natural woman
A natural woman who
A woman, a woman, a woman
You make me feel
A woman
You make me feel like
a natural woman
A woman
A woman, a woman
I am woman
Oh, yeah
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)