Where did you find this?
Did I let you go through my things?
Remove.
Go to the barn and feed the animals as you said you would.
One day, you will never see me again.
That's right, Charlie.
You don't see life the way I do.
I am special.
Mom will feel stupid when it sinks in, won't she?
One day, everyone will know my name.
Don't you agree, Mary?
Why, thank you!
How I love a good audience!
You know me for who I really am.
A star.
What are you doing here, Mr Pato?
Theda!
gone!
Take.
PEARL: A STORY OF ORIGIN 'X'
1918
Your dedication to things other than the farm is foolish.
It's just dancing, mom.
I call selfishness.
You don't help and I have to do everything myself.
I help.
Put the corn in the pot and bring your father.
Did something come in the mail for me today?
Not.
It appears that the Allies have taken control of France.
You can read after dinner.
But Mom, this could mean the end of the war!
Just do what I said!
I don't want to hear about dead Germans anymore tonight.
Dinner is ready, Daddy.
Bless us, Lord, and these gifts of yours that we are about to
receive from your generosity, through Christ our Lord.
- Amen. - Amen.
Help your father.
My precious Pearl.
It feels like an eternity has passed without you.
All we do is walk
And I don't know if we'll really be winners.
They make us chew (inaudible) into cubes
so that we forget about the pain in our feet.
What terrifies me the most at night is the trenches.
The sound of the mortar is deafening.
Many soldiers were driven mad by fear.
I've seen things I can never forget
and thinking about you is the only thing that calms me down.
I will always be proud to serve my country,
But I can't wait to get home
so we can go on with our lives together.
I never want to be away from you again,
until death do us part.
From your husband, Howard.
I'm going to town tomorrow.
Get more medicine.
Which means I can check out the movies.
Don't tell mom.
(inaudible) the best dancers in the movies.
I can be like them one day.
I know I'm good.
Pearl.
Didn't want to waste the hot water.
The money for his medicine is on the kitchen table.
Remember to cover his face.
Don't get close to anyone.
Newspapers are warning (inaudible)
I hope no disease enters this house.
One change, please.
Poor Johnny's heart Went pitty-pitty-pat
Somewhere in sunny France
He met a girl by chance
With a naughty, naughty glance
She looked just like a kitty kitty cat
She loved to dance and play
Though he learned no French when he left the trench
He knew well enough to say
Oui, oui Marie
Will you do this for me?
Oui, oui Marie
Did you like the movie?
Cigarette?
Come on, I'm not sick.
Do you like movies?
I like to dance.
Ah, future Tiller girl.
Now I see.
I wish.
Why not? It's pretty enough.
Arrested by her husband, I imagine?
He's abroad, but...
My father is sick, so I have to take care of the house.
I'm sorry.
Want to see the next movie?
It's free.
I'm the projectionist.
Need to go.
My mother is waiting for me, but I thank you for...
Do not leave.
OK.
It's what you saw now.
Won't they debut again?
Sure, but it's just a second.
No one will notice when we put some pieces back together.
Taking care of your family in these times is admirable.
Just don't put your life aside.
Would I like to see you one of these days, ma'am...?
Pearl.
Well, if you ever come back, knock on that door.
I'm always here, and I can play the movies as often as I want.
Thanks.
It can leave.
Will you grant me this dance?
I am married!
Why did it take so long?
It's far, mom.
What's that in your head?
I found it in the middle of the road.
Do not put this indoors.
It could be cursed.
Wash your hair before the lights go out.
When you're done, help your father.
Don't let him sit in his own mess.
I saw a movie today. The girls were impeccable.
You can't make mistakes in a group like that.
Absolute perfection is required.
Starting to make movies must be lovely.
Are you still there?
Bless us, Lord, and these gifts of yours that we are about to
receive from your generosity, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The rest of the money I gave you...
It didn't.
I can count, Pearl. 8 cents to go.
I bought some candy for the trip.
That's enough.
The sweet was your dinner.
The food I worked hard to prepare myself won't be.
Mom, the road has been long. I'm starving.
Maybe there's something left.
- Where are you going? - I go to bed.
I didn't tell you to leave the table.
Sit down
We don't have much money to feed ourselves in this house.
Times have changed, Pearl.
You can't be that irresponsible.
We have to survive on our own, you and I.
You see how people treat Germanic farmers.
The only reason we're not sick or hungry yet is
because we're aware of the way we conduct our lives.
I know, and I'm careful.
I will no longer allow you to wander around in silly
fantasies instead of shouldering your responsibilities.
This is a sign of weakness.
Your father and I didn't raise you to be weak.
You got it?
Excellent. You can leave the table now.
Please Lord make me the biggest
star the world has ever seen.
And that I live far, far from this place.
Amen.
Good morning, Pearl.
Hi Mitsy.
I liked your dress.
Thanks.
It's nice to be able to breathe fresh air again.
It's the first time we've left the house in weeks.
My mother is so afraid of getting sick.
Mine too.
Well, we've been worried about
you here alone, so we brought food.
It's very kind.
Are you okay? Are you getting letters?
Well, my mother is full of worry.
Maybe it's good to have no news.
(inaudible) pride got him into this terrible war.
You know, there was a doctor giving you certificates that you weren't eligible.
Anyone would not miss the opportunity.
But not Howard.
First, he runs away to be a farmer.
Now for the army.
What doesn't he do to piss off Dad?
That isolation was enough for (inaudible) one man, wasn't it?
Really.
No, not that (inaudible)
By God, it's just a pig.
Can I tell you a secret, Pearl?
Mom would kill me if she knew what I intended to do.
There's going to be a dance audition for Christmas at our church on
Saturday, to bring in guys from all over the state during the holidays.
They'll put us in a group and we'll travel to seven cities before the year is out!
Is not cool?
I would love to participate.
- Me too! - Then we should go together!
- But you can't say anything. - I would never say!
Excellent! It will be our secret.
Mitsy!
I better go.
We have three more pigs to deliver this morning.
On Saturday.
OK.
Sisters-in-law have to unite, don't they?
Mitsy, time to go.
See you later, Pearl.
Bye, Mitsy!
Charlie! It could be my chance!
Pearl?
Pearl!
Now.
I didn't expect to see you so soon.
Sit down.
I don't think you can watch these movies every day for free.
Yeah, it's not a bad job.
Thanks.
So to what do I owe the pleasure?
I've been thinking a lot about what you said to me that day.
Of not leaving my life aside.
Is well...
There's going to be a dance audition at the church.
I liked it.
Only...
I've never danced in front of anyone before.
What if I'm not perfect?
You can do whatever you want if you feel like it.
I want to.
I know that nothing will stop you from that.
What do you want to watch?
Palace Follies?
Come on, you've seen this one.
How about something different tonight?
What about...
How about a movie that...
Has anyone ever seen?
Okay.
I got this one when I was still serving in France.
You live here?
Sometimes I lay my head on this pillow, but...
I wouldn't say I live in a particular place.
I must be what people call a bohemian.
I don't know how it is...
It means I can live wherever I want.
It looks like a dream.
As long as I don't try to wake up.
What is it?
Watch.
''Hello, girls, want a ride?''
You've never seen anything like this before, have you?
There's all kinds of experimental footage like this out there.
Is it legal?
(inaudible)
film? Not.
Not in a place like this.
Eventually it will.
People pay upfront to see this.
This will revolutionize the industry.
And I, for example, intend to capitalize on a narrative.
''Please give me some.''
It's real.
There is no disagreement, we all have a
fascination with seeing people as they really are.
I don't like reality.
- I mean, where I live. - Then go away.
It's not that simple.
Course is. There's a road right there.
It will take you straight to New York.
One day, my mom and dad won't be here anymore.
I can do whatever I want.
What if it's too late?
The truth, Pearl... is that we only get one chance in life.
If you don't do what you want early, you won't get another chance.
If only they died.
Sorry?
Anything.
It's nice to be able to talk to someone about changes...
I've been stuck on this farm for so long...
Sometimes I worry that I'm not like other people.
Why does everyone want to be like each other?
I don't know.
I think it's more peaceful.
Did you mean it when you said you'd like to see me in a movie?
Of course yes.
I would do anything for that.
Well, everyone will travel abroad when this pandemic passes.
That's what I'll do.
The art is most acclaimed in Europe.
You can be whoever you want there.
Seriously?
You can be in movies like this.
I would watch you.
Have to go now.
Thanks.
- Per? - For seeing me tonight.
What are you looking at?
Theda!
Soon I'll be gone.
I can't stay here anymore.
Howard who was supposed to take me away.
It will be easier for me if it doesn't look like I abandoned you.
You understand?
I love you, Daddy, but that's not life.
Pearl?
What are you doing?
Talking to Dad.
You need to go home with him.
Why do you hate me mom?
I just want what's best.
When will I have what I want?
One day you will understand that having what you want is not that important.
No matter how much you have, life can subvert your expectations.
You have to be prepared for that if you want to be happy.
Go back inside.
Where are you?
Stop looking at me.
- How did you know? - I'm not blind.
- Get your food and go to the cabin. - It's freezing outside!
He should have thought before putting his father in danger.
Isolate yourself until you know you are not sick.
It's just right.
There's a dance test in town tomorrow.
- I will participate. - No, you won't.
I will go.
- Why? - I'm good enough.
Good enough for what?
It's just this once.
Why are you so ungrateful these times?
Your life has always been easy. (inaudible)
You always had a roof over your head and your belly full.
How can you not see my sacrifice for you and your father?
How do you think (inaudible)?
I can spend the rest of my life on this farm with you and daddy,
And whatever. But I will be young only once.
If I go to this audition and I don't get picked,
I'll come home and never bring it up again, I swear.
But I need to at least try, or I'll regret it for the rest of my life.
Please Mom, you have no idea what I'm capable of.
Oh, I know.
I saw what you do in secret.
And believe me, no one would.
Do you think it is (inaudible)?
(inaudible) He would notice and be just as scared as I am.
You're wrong.
I am?
What role model do you want to become?
Want to ditch your mom and dance for a bunch of stupid boys?
Not to mention the disease you can catch and spread.
Saw what she did to her father. Is this what you want for yourself?
Maybe you want that for me too.
- Of course. - Stop lying!
I can't stand to hear you anymore.
I've had enough of your stubbornness! You will be nothing.
Stop before you hurt someone else.
Evil takes over you.
As long as you're in your right mind, I won't let you leave this farm.
You can not stop me.
Oh I can.
You have no idea what I can do to you.
You would never understand what it's like to carry that burden.
I spend my days feeding and cleaning snot from the man I'm married to!
How dare you speak of regrets?
I should be his wife, not his mother!
Never talk to me like that again, do you understand me?
- Sorry. - No! You do not care!
Want to end this?
Take it!
Isn't that what you want?
Maybe I should kill him myself for you so we don't have to take care of him anymore.
And let us worry only about your petty dreams.
So that we can both go to this test.
Your husband is gone, and so is mine. I wish I could stop working!
I can't have what I want either?
Do what you want.
You want to go, go. But if you fail...
And you go.
Don't forget what it feels like to have failed. Because
that's how I feel all the time, without exception.
They've already taken everything I had.
What more do you want from me?
I just don't want you (inaudible)
I HATE YOU!
How dare you hit me in the face? You better not yell at me!
BUT I'LL GO!
I WILL BE A STAR!
ALL THE WORLD WILL KNOW MY NAME!
Where are you going? It's not even six in the morning.
I need to practice.
I need to be perfect for the test on the day.
Do you still think I'm pretty enough?
I don't think anything has changed in the last 24 hours.
Changed, yes.
You forgot that last time.
I'm glad you're back.
Me too.
Let me give you a ride.
You know?
I think not.
Good...
Hard to know who is who these days with everyone wearing masks.
Wait here.
Dad, I'm sorry.
I'll come clean you up, okay?
I have a visitor now.
In between!
This is my father.
Nice to meet you sir.
Let's go to my room.
I've lived on this farm ever since.
It doesn't look so bad.
But is.
What was this?
Anything.
Tell me more about Europe. Where are we going?
I think I'd better take a look.
Everything is fine.
Okay, sorry.
But whatever it is, we can't just ignore it.
- By God, it could be your father. - It's not him.
Stay.
What's wrong with you?
Anything.
It's just the dog.
She made a mess in the kitchen when I left so I locked her in the basement.
I want to show you something.
This is Charlie.
She is always hungry. We can't handle her hunger like we used to.
And here's Mary. Isn't she cute?
This is Francis.
They are my favorite audience.
I nicknamed each one after my favorite stars,
I've done so many shows for them over the years.
I'm sad to say goodbye, but I can't go back and give up on my dream now.
We've had more animals, but they died.
And your dog?
What?
- What's his name? - We don't have a dog.
You said yes. It's in the basement.
Oh yes.
Yup.
Well...
Damn it.
I have to go.
- What? - Well, I have to work.
But you were going to practice, weren't you? Need to warm up.
It's not time to relax yet, don't you think?
It was good to see you, Pearl.
Did i do something wrong?
Not.
So why are you weird with me?
I don't know what it means.
What you saw?
I did not see anything.
You're lying.
- I'm not. - Yes, it is.
I know because I feel everything intensely.
Look, I have to work. See you later.
- When? - What?
- When will I see you? - I don't know, Pearl.
It's just a way of talking.
You're not taking me to Europe, are you? Be sincere.
- What did I do wrong? - Anything.
- Calm down... - NO!
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME? IF I DID NOTHING WRONG
THEN I DON'T UNDERSTAND, WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME?
I like you. I just...
TELL ME THE TRUTH!
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME? WHAT YOU SAW?
- WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS? - Pearl, you're scaring me.
OK?
I wish you luck with your test.
In truth.
You won't leave me here.
I WILL NOT CONTINUE IN THIS PLACE!
NOTHING WILL HOLD ME HERE!
DID YOU HEAR ME?
ANYTHING!
NEITHER YOU,
NOR HOWARD,
NOT MOM,
NOBODY!
I want you to remember what it's like to feel this way.
Because that's how I felt every time he looked at me.
Okay, Daddy, I'll clean you up.
Don't look at me like that.
What do you think?
Thank you for everything.
I know you will be proud of me.
You are loved.
Goodbye! To the next!
Ah, thanks you came!
- I thought you wouldn't come again. - Sorry.
I had a lot to do at home.
Well I've been a rag.
I was worse than I imagined. I ended up getting this damn flu.
- Where are your bags? - What I need doesn't fit in a suitcase.
Our. You are confident.
It is said that they choose only one woman per city.
It has to be me.
I better not say that out loud, Pearl.
Well, if it's not me, I hope it's you.
It has to be me.
Next!
Starly Collins.
I won't say I'm sorry for her.
Some people seem like they're God's favorites, you know?
Their time always comes sooner or later.
I feel bad saying this. She is a nurse.
I don't know how to do something like that.
Oh Pearl. I'm nervous.
What if they laugh at me after rehearsal?
My God, I couldn't handle this.
How are you so calm?
I'm just more used to it.
Sir...
Want to switch places?
I don't know if I can do this. I'm terrified.
- What? - Let's switch, Pearl.
Before they call again.
We will.
Thanks.
You're a good friend.
am I?
Of course yes.
Sisters-in-law have to unite, don't they?
Next.
Your turn, Pearl.
Show what you are capable of.
I will show them.
Good luck.
ready?
Appreciate.
But we will have to refuse.
Sorry?
Pardon. You're just not what we're looking for.
That was the best dance I've ever done.
Yes, it was great.
But we already have other women like you in the group
and we are looking for something different today.
He understands?
More typical American, young and blonde.
We're looking for someone with the X-factor.
What?
Next?
We will.
I will not go.
I'm afraid so.
If you don't go...
Please.
You don't understand how I need it.
Next in line, please.
I can do better.
Come on, honey, you don't want to make a fuss. Nevermind.
Please!
Just give me one more chance.
We will.
No!
I-I'm a star!
Let's go, please.
No! I am a star!
Please! I am a star!
Sorry, we need to go.
Please someone help me!
Help me!
No!
Pearl?
I'll take you home.
Is that our pig?
Should I call your mother?
Not.
I'll get you something to drink.
Mom was right.
I will never leave this farm.
And where would you like to go?
- Europe. - Europe?
What for? It will be in ruins.
You'll never find Howard there.
Hey, don't be like that.
I know you're sad, but you don't have to be so affected by it.
It's just a nasty church group.
It's all about the money, you know? It's just what they think about.
- You do not understand. - What I do not understand?
Say, Pearl.
What is the problem?
I do not feel well.
You're not seeing someone, are you?
No, that's not it.
Fortunately.
If I sneaked out and brought someone other than my husband...
My father and mother would kill me.
I'm worried that there might be something wrong with me.
What you mean?
I seem to lack something in me that everyone else has.
Did you tell Howard?
I've never said anything like that to anyone.
I'm afraid of what others would think.
Pearl...
Howard is her husband.
He loves you. Don't be afraid and say how you feel.
I'm afraid of what he would say.
Try talking to me first.
Pretend I'm Howard.
And say whatever comes to mind.
- I can not. - Yes, you can.
Come on, loud and clear.
Same?
Yup.
Trust me.
Howard...
Go ahead, Pearl.
I hate you for leaving me here alone and sometimes I wish you would die.
Sorry.
It's bad to feel it, but it's the truth.
I became interested in another man.
I know you wouldn't want to know that I slept with another man
But I swear it was just one time.
It was a mistake.
I didn't want him and now I see.
I just want things to go back to the way they were before but I don't see how.
Not after everything I've done.
What else did you do, Pearl?
Oh Howard...
I realized that I (inaudible)
There was a time when I was flattered to have bonded with someone like you.
You are such a good person and I know it.
I always try to be careful with your heart.
I never wanted you to be jealous.
It's horrible how it makes you feel inside.
I know how bad it is. I get it.
When I see the lives of others, it's easy to feel, because...
The truth is, I'm not a good person.
Pearl, I think I should...
The reason I don't have eyes for other men isn't to avoid hurting you.
It's because I know how lucky I am to have your attention.
Maybe I'm a poor redneck, Howard. But I'm not stupid.
I met you the moment you decided to live with us.
You work hard like other farmers but you are different.
You have a life out there.
A good place you can come back anytime you want.
I really want to have this.
All my life I wanted to leave home and you were my guarantee of leaving.
Then...
I made sure you never knew who I really am.
And it worked very well.
So finally you took me to see your house, and
your family, and it was like I always dreamed.
A dream life.
At least I thought it was.
But you didn't.
You wanted to stay on this farm and it upset me so much.
I thought...
he can't really want that.
How can you be so cruel and selfish choosing
a life that you are not truly happy with?
I got pregnant with you.
I never wanted to be a mother.
I loved feeling him grow inside me. Even with all the bad things...
that made me feel like a sick animal.
How could I be responsible for another life?
Life terrifies me.
It's difficult...
empty...
It's exhausting.
I was so relieved when I lost him...
I got rid of that suffocating weight
but the war came and I lost you too.
Why did you leave me, Howard?
I hate feeling this way.
It's so pathetic.
People how do you feel this way too?
I think not.
Your life seems perfect.
God has been so generous to you.
He never answers any of my prayers.
And I don't know why, what did I do?
What's my problem?
Please tell me, maybe I can feel better.
I don't want to end up like Mom did.
I want to be successful dancing like the beautiful girls I watch.
I want so much to have what they have...
I want to be perfect, loved by as many people as possible
to pretend I don't spend most of my time in pain.
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and
fear takes over me because what if that's all life is?
What if this is what I deserve?
I am (inaudible)
I'm not pretty.
Pleasant or friendly.
I'm not smart.
Funny or safe.
I am exactly what Mom said.
I am weak.
And I don't know why, what did I do wrong?
My family can't be like yours?
I hate not being able to be in your shoes.
I'm afraid you'll come home with me
like this and be scared like everyone else.
I know what I did.
Bad things.
Terrible, dangerous and deadly things.
I regret it now but I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy doing it.
I wanted to, but I liked it.
First I started with small animals.
None that I cared enough to feel bad about.
I liked.
Killing is easier than you think.
But killing Mom and the movie boy was different.
were more significant.
I hurt them so they would know what it's like to suffer but other than that they didn't deserve it.
I didn't want to do this, but I did.
Mom went (inaudible)
She just wanted to feel safe
at home and I understand.
I thought I hated her, but I just wanted to feel safe too.
Howard...
I made so many mistakes...
And I don't know how much longer I can take it.
I need to fix this.
Fix everything.
I need to fix everything before you come back.
Maybe if I make this farm the home you've
always wanted things might be different...
I can forgive you.
I can be whoever you want me to be.
Just don't leave me...
I do everything please...
I can't be alone it's so hard...
We can love each other.
I will do it for you.
If you really want to be with me until death do us part...
That's enough?
Just this farm and the two of us?
The only thing I want is to be loved.
Living without it makes things so difficult.
I think I better go...
Mom will be worried if I get home late.
You are afraid of me?
Not.
No, no problem.
Do you think I'm sick?
- No. - Thanks.
I'm happy for you.
Per?
For getting your part in the dance group.
You deserve.
But I couldn't...
Everything is fine.
No need to pretend.
I won't be upset.
If it's not me, let it be you. Is not?
- But, Pearl... - Don't lie to me.
Good...
Yup.
Thanks.
It will be cool to dance all over the state.
I hope you'll come and see me if you can.
You always get what you want.
You're young and I'm not blonde.
I need to go.
You won't say anything, will you?
Not.
I really love Howard.
I know.
No one needs to know.
I can fix things.
Could it be our secret, Mitsy?
Help!
Help me!
Someone please help me!
Help!
Help me please!
Please do not!
I won't tell anyone!
Please I swear!
No!
Please!
I do what you want!
This isn't about what I want anymore, Mitsy.
It's about giving the best of what I have.
No!
Shine, shine little star...
I love you.
Bless us, Lord, and these gifts of yours that we are about to
receive from your generosity, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Home Sweet Home!
Pearl?
Howard?
I'm so glad you're back.
THE END