[♪]
[Dawn] My mother once told me
that she and my father named me Dawn
because I was born at the break of day.
That was the first of a thousand lies
my parents would tell me and my brother, Jimmy.
Of course, we wouldn't know they were lies.
Not for a long time.
Not until the day the strangers came to take us away.
[clock ticking]
[alarm starts ringing]
[grunts]
[thumps clock down]
I just got to sleep.
Nah, it just feels that way.
Oh...
You want to wake up the kids, or should I?
[floorboards creak, door opens]
[click]
Jimmy. Dawn.
It's moving day.
Come on. Get the lead out.
[chuckles]
[Dawn groans]
Jimmy, I got half the car loaded already.
Come on, let's shake a leg!
Just tying my shoe.
Yeah, well, you can tie your shoe in the car.
Put a shirt on, would ya?
[wearily] Dawn... get dressed already.
[♪]
[chuckles]
[♪]
Dad?
Dad, it's 1973.
Don't you think we could trade this thing in
for something that's not from the '50s?
This old girl's got another 100,000 miles in her.
[thump-thump]
All right, everybody, bring it in!
Come on.
Who are we?
[together] We're the Longchamps.
What does that mean?
[all] "Family together. Family forever."
[man] Hey! Shut the hell up down there!
I'm tryin' to sleep!
Okay, then.
Let's hit the road.
[exhaling deeply]
[♪]
[engine rumbles]
[thump-thump]
[Ormand] The extra space
is gonna be perfect for the new baby.
[Dawn] Right. Just like you said last time,
and the three times before that.
[Ormand] I'm excited about this move.
[Dawn] It's hard to get excited about a new place
when we always pick up and move all the time.
[Ormand] Well, this'll be the final time we move.
I promise, Dawn.
[engine shuts off]
[exhales deeply]
Dawn...
you awake?
Where are we now, exactly?
Richmond.
Virginia.
You said something about a job at the school?
The Emerson Peabody School.
It just so happens to be
one of the fanciest schools in the state.
And I'll give you a guess
at who their new Head of Maintenance is.
Paul Newman?
Close!
Me.
Although a lot of people make that same mistake.
[chuckles]
And you wanna hear the best part?
The kids who go to Emerson Peabody
go on to great things,
and... they got a music department
like you wouldn't believe.
You wanna sing?
This is where you go.
All right, Dad. I'm getting excited.
Yeah!
Be excited.
I really fought for this job, Dawn.
This time's different--
and that's a promise.
You happy?
You know how happiness starts, don't you?
Dad, come on. Really?
♪ Happiness starts With a smile ♪
♪ It's contagious
♪ Catch it now
[chuckles] It's a duet, Dawn!
♪ Just put one on
♪ And your troubles Will be gone ♪
[both] ♪ 'Cause happiness Starts with a smile ♪
Hey, songbirds?
Let's-- Let's be quiet.
[Ormand laughs, slaps Jimmy's knee]
Come on, guys.
Let's move in.
You're carrying the heavy stuff.
[students chattering]
Snobby, rich pukes.
Oh, just give them a chance. It's our first day.
[♪]
They don't all look so bad.
[school bell rings]
All right, ladies, let's move it!
[claps]
Is something burning in here?
[sniffs]
[gasps]
I-I think it's coming from there.
[sniffs]
[sniffing]
Clara Jean!
Get over here.
Yes, Miss Collins?
Explain this.
That's not mine.
It's your locker.
Well, I don't know how it got in there.
How do I know that the new poor kid
didn't plant it on me?
[stammers nervously]
I-I just saw smoke coming from the locker.
Detention after school today, Clara Jean.
Don't be late.
Let's go!
[claps]
[♪]
[girls whispering]
Your clothes are in the wash, snitchy.
[♪]
Hi. I'm Louise.
Dawn.
Boy, did you pick the absolutely worst person
to cheese off at this school.
I didn't know whose locker it was.
I just... saw smoke.
[Louise] Yeah, well, where there's smoke...
Clara Jean comes from a big, wealthy hotel family.
Doesn't everyone here come from money?
Yeah, but there's money, and then there's Cutler money.
Clara Jean's the one who decides in this school
who's in and who's out.
I've always been out,
so, welcome to rock bottom.
[chuckles uneasily]
You wanna be outcasts together?
[laughs]
Come on.
You can sit with me.
[♪]
Hello?
Hi.
Here, let me get that.
Thank you.
You have to take it easier for the baby.
[exhales deeply]
What happened here?
Oh... nothing much.
Just some of my "school pals"
trying to make me feel more at home
by giving my clothes a toilet bath.
What? They didn't really do that.
I'm sure they'll all repent on their deathbeds.
[sighs] Well, they're not getting away with it.
I'll call the principal in the morning.
No, you will not!
I can handle it.
It's just some rich girl with "Cutler money".
Cutler money?
Yes. Apparently,
I pissed off the heiress
to the famous Cutler family fortune,
which I guess is the wrong thing to do on the first day.
Not the hotel family?
You've actually heard of these people?
I've heard of them.
What's their kid doing going to school
all the way out here in Richmond?
Isn't this where all the rich kids go?
[sighs] She lives in the dorms.
[sighs]
Mom... come on!
Don't worry about it.
Dawn.
Come here.
Why don't you just avoid this girl, hmm?
I mean, if she's a bully...
just try to have nothing to do with her, okay?
I will if she will.
Okay.
The Cutlers?
Out of every school in the country...
I mean...
do we have to move again?
Sally...
how are they ever gonna get this kind of opportunity again?
And it's been so many years...
I don't know if there's a reason to worry it's gonna come out.
We're not the only "Longchamps" in the world.
I told Dawn to just avoid them.
Well, that'll probably be enough.
I'll tell Jimmy, too.
I mean there's nothing for us to be nervous about yet.
Okay?
Okay.
[Dawn, singing] ♪ Beautiful dreamer
♪ Heard in the day
♪ Lulled by the moonlight have all passed away ♪
Remarkable.
[chuckles]
Class...
this is what we call "perfect pitch".
I mean, really--
that is professional level, Dawn.
[Dawn] Thank you. [chuckles]
Clara Jean?
It looks like you might have some competition
for soloist at this year's spring recital.
[forced chuckle]
[♪]
[hushed voices, indistinct]
Hey. [chuckles weakly]
Are you lost?
Listen, Clara Jean.
I didn't mean to get you in trouble the other day.
I just saw a smoking locker.
Maybe we can start over?
Okay.
[perkily] Do you wanna be best friends?
I'm just saying
there's no reason for us to be enemies.
Well, there are a few reasons.
I mean, you're the janitor's daughter.
[snickers] That's why you're here, isn't it?
You're a charity case.
Okay.
Looks like we won't be braiding each other's hair.
If you want me to forgive you for ratting me out?
Okay.
I can forgive you for that.
But for being poor, white trash?
Honey, that is unforgivable.
Yeah, I could've told you that wouldn't work.
Worth a try.
And there's no way they're choosing
Clara Jean for the spring recital over you.
Hell, if Karen Carpenter
and Barbara Streisand hear you sing,
they'll be dunking your clothes in the toilet, too.
[chuckles]
[Louise and Dawn laugh]
You, uh... mind if I sit here?
Mm-mm.
I'm, uh, I'm Philip.
I saw you the other day, and I've been trying
to work up the nerve to introduce myself.
Uh, I'm-I'm Dawn.
Do you want to go for a drive after school?
I know you're new.
I figured maybe you'd let me show you around?
Oh...
yeah.
I-I mean, no.
I-I just... I mean, I-- I'd have to ask my parents.
Oh, that's cool.
You ask them and maybe we can go tomorrow?
Yeah. That... That'd be cool.
They gotta say "yes".
[chuckles nervously]
What?
Philip R. Cutler is only the most popular guy in school.
Well, what can I say?
He's-- He's got good taste.
And he also happens to be the brother
of one Clara Jean Cutler.
[♪]
You called a cab?
[revs engine]
Oh, hi.
Hop in.
Philip, I told you, I have to ask my parents.
It's just a ride home.
You know your sister hates my guts?
My sister hates everyone's guts.
Well, mine, she wants to cook and eat.
Well, there goes her diet.
[chuckles]
Listen, on the surface,
Clara Jean is spoiled, mean, and stupid,
but deep down where it really counts,
she's also selfish, spiteful, and full of hatred.
So, you're saying I just need to get to know her better?
Just let her know she can't get to you.
Right now, the best way I know how to do that
is to let her brother drive you home.
Come on.
[♪]
[Dawn] Jimmy? You awake?
What?
That crack you made about Philip earlier,
when you saw him drop me off?
What did you mean by that?
[sighs] Come on, Dawn. I was just nodding off.
Why do you think he's a creep?
[scoffs]
I just hear how him and his buddies talk,
that's all.
What do they say?
I'm just looking out for you.
Isn't that what you want in a big brother?
Philip hasn't been anything but friendly to me.
That guy doesn't want to be your friend.
Okay, just because he comes from money
doesn't mean he's a bad guy.
I'm just saying he's a guy.
Maybe assume I can handle myself sometimes.
[laughs] You?
[chuckles to himself]
Guys?
Wake up.
Wow, Dad. This is a new record.
We've been here, like, a week.
[snaps] Would you just get up?
The baby's coming.
[♪]
Dad... calm down.
Everything's gonna be okay.
[♪]
Either I'm having déjà vu...
or I know you.
You used to work here?
[chuckles] Not that I remember.
You must have me confused with someone else.
Huh!
Sometimes people mistake him for Paul Newman.
[Ormand laughs, then Jimmy]
[doctor] Mr. Longchamp?
Everybody's good.
Mother and...
daughter.
[gasping]
[Dawn squeals]
Hey, I'm still your favorite. Remember that.
[♪]
Oh, man.
[laughing]
[♪]
[persistent weak coughing nearby]
I'm worried about Mom.
She's as strong as they come.
Maybe, but... it's been a week.
[Ormand fills his cup]
I think we should take her back to the hospital.
Why?
They're just gonna tell me she needs rest and vitamins.
I don't need to spend $100 we don't have on that.
Let me hold my little girl.
Hey, Fern.
Can you give Daddy a smile?
Huh?
Come on.
Yeah! [laughs] That's my happy girl.
That's my happy baby Fern.
[♪]
What, are you following me or something?
Why am I always looking at your ugly face
every time I turn around?
You probably think my brother's
actually interested in you.
Only because he says he is.
[scoffs]
You think you're the only girl he's told that to?
Philip makes girls like you into mothers once a month.
I think you are so threatened by this poor, white trash,
that you go out of your way to keep putting me down.
How sad.
Let's get in the car.
She has no idea what's coming.
[♪]
[birds singing]
[Phillip] Well, what do you think?
Wow.
It's beautiful.
Thank your folks for me for, uh, for letting you come.
I didn't actually ask them, is what the truth is.
Rebel.
I'm 16!
Why do I need permission just to go for a ride?
Well, you're safe with me...
for now.
I bet you've never been kissed before.
I'm just-- I'm just guessing.
You have this innocent thing about you.
I don't know.
Fine.
I've never had a boyfriend.
We move around a lot.
Okay, but I didn't say anything about a boyfriend.
I just wanna know if you've ever been kissed.
Philip! I mean...
You don't have to answer. I'm just...
I'm curious.
Okay.
No.
-I knew it. -I'm really embarrassed now.
Are you happy?
No, I'm not-- I'm not trying to embarrass you, really.
I just...
I think you're really cool.
I'm sorry.
Forgiven?
Sure.
[♪]
What?
[chuckles awkwardly]
[♪]
Okay, then... just...
[exhales]
Sorry, I just...
Look, don't-- don't laugh.
I've just...
I've never felt this way after just meeting somebody.
Really?
Yeah, really.
But look, I don't want things to move too fast, either.
When it comes down to it,
I like to think I'm a Southern gentleman.
It may be best just to take you home.
Well, I-I mean...
...I don't have to leave right now.
[chuckling]
[Louise] That's it?
What'd you think we were gonna do?
Well, I mean, it is Philip Cutler.
Oh... I don't believe any of those stories.
We just kissed a little, and then he drove me home.
[Louise] Well, is it okay
if I just imagine it was a lot dirtier?
Hey, look at this.
It's Jimmy the janitor's kid!
[crashing]
Is your daddy gonna clean that up?
Hey!
Jimmy!
[grunting as blows land]
Jimmy!
Hey!
That's enough! That's enough!
My office. Now.
Your father is going to hear about this.
[♪]
[sighs heavily]
Dawn, stop worrying about Jimmy.
Your father's gonna find him.
What's he gonna do when he does?
[coughing persistently]
Hey, you.
[exhales deeply]
I mean, you should have seen Dad
when Jimmy came out of the Principal's office.
I thought he was gonna kill him.
Your father just really wants what's--
[wracked with coughing]
[coughing deepens]
Are you okay?
[struggles for breath] I'm fine.
Mom, you're not fine. You're getting worse.
No, sweetheart, it just sounds bad.
I'm feeling much better today, really.
Mom, you sound awful.
Shh, shh, shh.
It's starting to rain.
[♪]
My goodness! You're gonna catch pneumonia.
Take this off.
[rain patters against window]
You're freezing.
You gonna tell me where you were?
I was gonna run away...
but I didn't have any money, so I came back.
Would you really do that?
Things are so great here?
I mean...
you'd leave me, just like that?
[exhales deeply]
What has gotten into you lately?
Running away? Getting into fights?
I'm sorry about that.
I try to steer clear of those guys.
They just wouldn't let up.
How hard is it to not get into a fight?
[tersely] Sometimes real hard, Dawn.
They called you a slut.
I'd do it again.
I love you for defending me, Jimmy, but...
I don't want you to get hurt
because people are telling lies about me.
I'd never actually leave you.
Don't worry.
Ow!
One of 'em knew how to punch.
[♪]
[Ormand] Dawn! Hurry up!
You're gonna be late for your recital.
Brigitte Bardot?
How'd you get in here?
And where's my daughter?
Please, Daddy. I'm nervous enough without this.
Why?
You've been rehearsing for a month.
Not with an audience.
You look so grown up.
God, I remember when your mom and I brought you home.
I swear, it could've been yesterday.
I wish she felt well enough to go.
You...
maybe you should stay here with her.
[sighs] And miss your big debut?
There's not enough wild horses on this earth, baby-girl.
So, when do you want to go?
Oh, um...
I already have a ride.
With who?
[sighs]
Philip Cutler's coming to get me.
I thought we told you to stay away from him?
Y-Yeah, with no good reason.
In fact, no reason at all.
I gave you my reasons!
Would you just,
for once, trust that I may know more than you?
[huffs irately]
[♪]
[stagehand] Dawn Longchamp, you're up next.
She looks like she's gonna cry.
[piano begins to play]
[♪]
♪ Remember when
♪ You closed your eyes
♪ And wished so hard with all your heart ♪
♪ And when you opened them
♪ And look around again
♪ It felt so strange
♪ Like something had changed
♪ If you can imagine it
♪ You can achieve it
♪ You can become it
♪ If you just believe it
♪ If you just believe it...
♪ Believe it
Your mother has consumption.
She should've been brought in some time ago.
♪ ...You realize...
-I love you. -When you close your eyes... ♪
I love you.
[Sally] Always remember that.
♪ Sending out the love...
Please, don't ever think badly of us.
Why would I ever think badly of you?
♪ Dreams inside Start pouring out from you... ♪
-[monitor tone flat-lines] -♪ You're breaking through...
♪ If you can imagine it...
-Mom? -♪ ...Imagine it
♪ You can achieve it
♪ You can become it
♪ If you just believe it...
♪ If you just believe it
♪ Believe it
[audience applauds]
[♪]
[weeping]
[sniffles deeply]
I'm so sorry.
[Ormand sniffs]
[♪]
I didn't...
if I knew--
Hey, Dad.
Dad, you're not to start blaming yourself.
I tried to get her to come, and she wouldn't.
[chokes up] And I didn't listen to you, either.
Here he is, Officer--
plain as day.
I knew I recognized you.
Ormand Longchamp?
That's me.
You're under arrest.
Under arrest?
What's going on?
I love you, guys.
I love you!
[♪]
Dad!
Are you gonna tell me what's going on?
Where's my brother?
Jimmy's okay. He's just being processed.
"Processed"?
What about Fern?
Fern is... safe.
[measured] Okay.
I don't know what's going on here,
but I'm telling you it's a mistake.
Why is my father being arrested?
Dawn, your... "father"...
...he's under arrest for kidnapping.
Kidnapping?
Uh...
[laughs] No. Like...
that's a good one!
Only, I've lived with my father my whole life
and I think I'd have noticed if he had kidnapped someone.
So, uh, that's a problem, don't you think?
Dawn...
this is gonna come as a shock,
so I'll just tell you straight.
Your parents kidnapped you.
[♪]
[detective] You were a baby.
That's why you don't remember.
This case has been cold for 16 years.
Your parents were employees at a hotel back then...
..."Cutler's Cove," down in Hampton, Virginia.
"Cutler"?
One night, they just...
vanished.
And so did you.
Your real name is Eugenia Cutler.
Your real parents are both still alive.
You have a brother named Philip,
and a sister named Clara Jean.
Okay, now-- now I know that you're just...
you're making this all up.
It's simply not possible.
I-I know them.
I go to school with those two people.
Dawn... it's true.
I know this is a lot to absorb,
but your father--
I mean, who you thought was your father...
he's already confessed.
I'm very sorry.
We sent some officers to your apartment.
They gathered up as much of your stuff as they could.
Wait a second.
Where are we going?
I-I need to talk to my brother.
I'm afraid you can't right now.
Your brother and sister
have already been sent to foster care.
What?
[door creaks]
So, where are you taking me?
I'm taking you home, Dawn.
[♪]
[door opens and shuts]
[engine rumbles to life]
[♪]
[gruffly] Come on, follow me.
[♪]
So...
...the long-lost Eugenia.
That's not my name.
[sternly] That is...
your name.
May I know who I'm addressing?
I'm Lillian Cutler.
I'm your grandmother.
I was told that I have--
...that my real parents are here?
Yes, well, it's very late.
You will meet them tomorrow.
You're returning to us at a very...
inconvenient time, Eugenia.
[dryly] I'll try to time things out like this
better in the future.
I am not only your grandmother.
I own this hotel,
and I do not tolerate insolence or ingratitude.
Is that understood?
You have a voice?
Yes.
I...
I just don't understand why you're treating me
like a derelict who walked in off the street.
Did you expect to be treated like some long-lost princess?
No, I...
just maybe like... family?
That's exactly how I am treating you.
Every member of the Cutler family works,
and tomorrow morning,
you will start working as a chamber maid.
What about school?
There's still two weeks left.
[sighs impatiently] I'll talk to them
and be sure they pass you through to the fall semester.
What if they won't do that?
Hmph.
If I say it...
they'll do it.
[♪]
If I were you, I'd get some sleep.
You've got a hard day's work ahead of you.
Thanks, Ms. Boston.
[♪]
[click]
[♪]
-[door slams] -Wake up!
Do you know what time it is?
I will not have pictures of this woman
in my hotel.
[ripping]
That's the only picture I have of my mother!
This worthless domestic is not your mother,
and if you need pictures of her...
...use your memory.
[footsteps recede]
[♪]
[songbirds chirping]
[♪]
[Sissy] I can't believe it's you, Eugenia.
People told stories about you before I ever got a job here.
They said you were gone for good.
No kidding.
I came across my grave in the family graveyard.
Right. They told me the family put that up
in order to move on,
or something like that.
And here you are, not even dead!
[dryly] Mm.
Just give me a holler if you have any questions.
Thanks.
My God.
Eugenia!
Um, no, it's...
Yes.
I'm Randolph.
I'm your father.
[♪]
I was sure I would never lay my eyes on you again.
I just--
I just can't believe it.
I... can't either.
[chuckles weakly]
I think it's time you met your mother.
[♪]
[gasps]
Oh!
My resurrected daughter.
Come!
Sit beside me.
Ohh!
I would know that face anywhere in the world.
You must be rapturous to finally be home.
I miss my family.
Oh! And we've missed you.
Oh, I could never tell you how much.
We looked for you...
for years.
I-I mean, I miss my real family--
the people I grew up with.
Oh, honey.
We are your real family.
Though, I suppose, to you, we must be strangers.
[sighs]
Of course, my darling. I understand.
You'll need time to adjust.
Yes.
I've been feeling rather poorly lately,
but, um...
I just am very excited to be reacquainted with you.
I can teach you all about etiquette
and how to behave in proper society.
Oh! And music!
I can teach you the piano.
I already play the piano,
and, uh, why would you think
I don't know how to behave properly?
Oh, well, my dear,
there is more to etiquette
than just "please" and "thank you".
My heart is just sick thinking about the...
desperate circumstances you grew up in,
with such a poor family.
[sighs]
You're right...
we were poor,
but my parents loved us,
and they knew how to raise us.
I have a brother and sister I hope to see again.
Yes.
Well, darling, you do now realize
that they aren't really your brother and sister?
The best thing for you now is to just...
[perkily] ...try to forget them.
This is where you belong now, Eugenia.
My name is Dawn.
Come with me.
I'll make sure they serve you up something nice for lunch.
Yes, yes, of course. You go. You go.
We've got plenty of time to catch up
and get to know each other proper.
We have all the time in the world!
Oh!
This is Pernell.
He was my very best friend in the whole world...
but Lillian had him...
[sighs]
Lillian doesn't like cats.
[♪]
[sighs]
[♪]
[crashing and thudding]
[♪]
[snapping] What are you doing in here?
I-I was just--
You're stealing, aren't you?
No, I-I wasn't--
Don't you go sneaking around in my hotel, ever.
Do you understand me?
[viciously] Do you understand me?
Yes! I understand!
Good, Eugenia.
Very good.
Now go to your room!
[grunts]
[♪]
Hey.
Philip.
Hi.
I guess school let out?
-Yeah. -Mm.
So, they told me.
I don't even know what to think.
Me neither. I...
keep thinking I'm in this insane dream,
but when I wake up, I'm still here.
What I mean is,
I don't know what to think about us.
Us?
Philip, there's no "us".
No, I know. It's--
How do you turn it off?
Huh? Just like that?
I mean, I still feel about you the way I felt before.
Well, obviously, we can't think like that anymore.
Can't we?
I mean, have your feelings changed?
To be honest with you, Philip,
I haven't really thought about it.
I mean, my whole life has been turned upside down.
I, uh...
I really want to kiss you.
We can't do that anymore.
Couldn't it just be our secret?
Right?
Are you kidding?
No. Simple as that.
Have you seen our father?
That's gonna be a problem. [sighs]
Ah, Eugenia!
Mrs. Boston tells me you're doing a marvelous job.
I sense a promotion sooner than you think.
Oh, that's great.
Listen, I wrote a letter to my--
Ormand Longchamp,
but I have no idea where to send it.
I was hoping you could find out and help me get it to him?
Oh, I... don't know, Eugenia.
-"Dawn". -I don't believe
Mother would want me getting involved in this,
and she wouldn't like
you corresponding with your kidnapper.
Randolph, he was my father for 16 years.
I need to get some answers from him.
You have to understand that.
[anxiously] You need to understand
that Mother has some very strict rules.
I thought you were supposed to be my father?
I had a whole life before this, Randolph,
and out of nowhere,
I was plunked into this craziness,
where I'm treated like a servant,
and nobody is helping me.
It's a letter.
I'll see to it as soon as I can.
I promise.
Thank you.
[whirring]
[vacuum whirs off]
Oh.
[chuckles]
Ain't you a laughing riot?
You work too hard, Dawn. You should, uh, take a break.
Tell that to Grandmother Cutler.
Just come with me. I got something to show you.
Just... leave it.
Philip, you're going to get me into trouble.
I am not.
Okay. Here we go.
'Kay, come on.
Just follow me, okay?
Are you gonna tell me what this place is?
We used to have a caretaker who lived here.
He died a zillion years ago, and nobody else moved in.
Just come on.
[creaking]
[thud]
When I was a kid,
I used to come here all the time.
It was my secret place.
I can only assume you brought me here
to murder me.
I wanted to get you alone.
I was hoping we could talk.
About what?
I just can't help
but thinking of you as two different people.
I mean, there's Dawn Cutler...
and then there's the girl I fell for back at school.
-Philip. -I mean,
I'm the first boy you ever kissed.
Remember?
Philip!
-No! -This cottage,
it can be our place, Dawn.
Okay? The world's out there, but in here,
we can do anything we want, and nobody needs to--
[door creaks]
Told you they were in here.
[♪]
What's going on between you and Philip?
Nothing.
I know about the history between the two of you.
Nothing happened,
and nothing's going to happen.
Good.
Then, from now on, that is your responsibility.
You and Philip are never, ever
to be alone together.
That's fine by be.
Good.
Then we will consider that matter settled.
Now, the next matter at hand is your name,
which seems to be the source of some confusion.
Nothing's confusing about my name.
Excellent.
Then we're in agreement once again.
You spelled "Dawn" wrong.
[quietly fumes]
You will wear that
whenever you are in uniform.
Did I-- Did I do something to deserve this?
I believe we're done here.
Maybe this is something
I should talk over with Mother and Father.
Why would you assume
that either of them would defy me?
[♪]
He said he would mail this.
Everyone at this hotel does exactly
as I tell them to do.
That includes your mother, your father,
and you.
[♪]
Sissy...
what do you know about the night I was taken away from here?
Well, like I told you,
that happened long before I ever got here.
Yeah, but everyone around here talks to each other.
I know you know something.
I've heard all kinds of things!
Everything from evil servants to Bigfoot
had something to do with it.
So, you don't want to know from me...
[whispers] Mrs. Boston is the one who knows
everything there is to know about Cutler's Cove.
[hushed] Thanks, Sissy.
No siree! I don't tell stories.
Don't fool yourself.
Mrs. Boston, I'm not trying to get you into trouble.
Nobody'll tell me anything about what happened to me.
Don't I have a right to know?
Not from me, you don't!
Mrs. Boston, please.
It was me this happened to, and for some reason,
I'm the one being punished for it.
Can't you see that?
All I know
is that Sally Longchamp had a stillborn baby.
She never told me that.
It was a terrible thing,
but it was right around when you were born,
and she and Ormand, they were crazy with grief.
They snuck in one night and they just took you.
To... replace their stillborn baby?
I don't know why else they would've done it.
But your daddy, Randolph,
he did everything he could to find you...
until your grandma put a stop to that.
She had the gravestone made.
But that is all that I know, so don't ask me anything more.
[♪]
[indistinct exchange]
[♪]
You were given a name tag.
Where is it?
Oh, I-- I guess it must have fallen off somewhere.
[chuckles dryly]
Okay, so this is going to be a contest of wills, is it?
Fine.
You go to your room and stay there.
I'll have a new name tag printed up for you,
and if you elect not to wear it,
you won't be fed until you change your mind.
[sweetly] Hello.
Hi. Hi!
[♪]
[chuckles]
Hey, Dawn.
Sis.
I heard you haven't eaten anything in two days.
You must be so hungry.
Oh, thanks, but if that's for me,
I'm trying to cut out sugar.
Mm!
Mm. [chuckles]
I don't know why you're making life
so difficult for yourself.
Everyone always gives Grandma what she wants.
Not everyone.
[chuckles]
Maybe you won't look so smug when you're starving to death.
[thud]
[♪]
[knocking]
[Randolph] Is something wrong?
Randolph? Is that you?
Yes, it's-- it's me.
Why did you give the letter to Grandmother
when you said you would help me?
She... [sighs]
You-- You mean, she didn't send it?
S-She told me she would.
Randolph, she's a liar.
Dawn...
you really shouldn't talk like that and...
really, this-- this whole thing can be sorted out
if you just wear the name tag.
It's-It's such a little thing, really.
But why does she even care?
It's not like anyone wants me in this family.
Now, Dawn, you...
you know that isn't true.
What do I have left but my name?
I'll tell you what.
Let's just compromise.
You wear that silly little name tag
during working hours,
and I'll see to it
that I get your letter out personally.
That way, everyone gets something out of it.
Can we do that?
[♪]
Good girl.
[♪]
[door jamb rattling]
Philip, where'd you find the key?
It was right there in the door.
-But-- -Listen.
-You need to come with me. -Hey, what's going on?
You'll see.
Just come on, okay?
Philip, I'm not going back in there with you.
No, it's not what you think. You just have to trust me, okay?
[door creaks]
I was in the neighborhood.
Oh, my god, Jimmy!
What are you doing here?
I-I thought I would never see you again.
Foster care wasn't for me.
You ran away?
[laughs] Well...
I gave myself early parole.
I told him he could stay for a few days.
See? I've got one or two redeeming qualities.
Philip,
thank you so much.
I... I don't even know what to say.
Don't worry about it. As long as you're happy.
I'll leave you two alone to catch up.
I can't believe this.
Come on, sit.
Who would've guessed this, huh?
I wanted to see you at the police station,
but they wouldn't let me.
I've been so worried about Fern.
Do you have any idea where they took her?
I don't know.
I know that Dad's a liar, though.
Jimmy, I mean, what was he supposed to say?
"By the way, Dawn, I kidnapped you"?
[laughing]
I don't know what to make of any of this.
I haven't slept in a day and a half.
Well, close your eyes.
I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.
What?
[Jimmy chuckles]
I don't know.
Just... always had this voice in the back of my head
that told me that you were just a little bit different
than the rest of the family.
I'm not wearing the Cutler name proudly,
if that's what you're getting at.
Are they really that bad?
I hate it here.
I have never been so lonely in my life.
[deep breath]
[chuckles sadly]
Come with me, then.
Oh...
I would in a second,
but you're better off alone.
If I go with you,
they'll just come looking for me and...
then we'd both get caught.
[♪]
You got a pet gerbil or something?
Just a snack for later.
[footsteps]
Miss Eugenia?
I'm gonna need you to come with me.
Mrs. Wormser in Room 237
is missing a very... expensive necklace.
All right. I see where this is going.
I expect you to deny stealing it.
Of course, I deny it.
I've never stolen anything in my life.
You can search my room, if you want.
[laughs] You don't think we've done that already?
Your room is not the only place you might have hidden it.
Shall I empty my pockets, then?
Undress.
What?
You can either do it voluntarily,
or Mr. Hornbeck will do it for you.
This is ridiculous.
Either you can tell Mr. Hornbeck to proceed,
or you can tell Mr. Hornbeck to leave the room.
The choice is yours...
for the next five seconds.
Would you please leave, Mr. Hornbeck?
[♪]
[footsteps recede, then door opens and closes]
[♪]
You realize this proves nothing?
[mutters] It proves something about you.
Look at this--
the newspaper mentions a "Mrs. Dalton."
She was a nurse who was sitting by my crib
while I slept.
It doesn't make sense.
How could I be stolen right from under her nose?
Maybe she just left the room for a minute?
Maybe...
but they kept her on after.
Look.
This is her with Clara Jean, who was born after me.
I'm not sure what this proves, Dawn.
Lillian fires people for folding napkins wrong.
Why would she let this woman look out for another grandchild
when one was kidnapped on her watch?
You're right. It doesn't make sense.
Listen.
I really appreciate you having me here...
...but I'm feeling back to normal, so...
I probably should move on.
What?
No, you...
Jimmy, you can't. You-- You just got here.
I can't hide here forever, Dawn.
You are the only person I have in the world!
Dawn.
You are so strong, okay?
You're gonna be all right.
Please?
Please don't leave.
Not yet.
[♪]
You're just never gonna let up on this, are you?
Who is this Mrs. Dalton?
I mean... did you ever meet her?
She and I were friends.
It wasn't unusual
for Mrs. Dalton to step out of the nursery
when you were sleeping.
She was your nurse, not your bodyguard.
So...
-the night I was taken-- -The night you were taken
was just like any other night.
Mrs. Dalton would wait for you to be asleep each night...
then she'd usually walk down the hall
and sit with me for a while.
Not long, just for a little rest,
and then she'd go back and turn in herself...
But on that night...
[♪]
But why was she still allowed to be Clara Jean's nurse
after that?
Well, I figured nobody blamed Mrs. Dalton
for something no one could've predicted.
Do you know where Mrs. Dalton is now?
You won't get anything out of her.
She's old now.
She's gone funny in the head.
[♪]
[whispers] I know Mrs. Dalton,
and she's not that funny in the head!
[amused] Sissy, were you eavesdropping?
I... yes.
I mean, I didn't know she was your nurse back in the day.
She's just an old lady in the neighborhood
who me, and some of the others, help out sometimes.
So, then she's not far from here?
Maybe now I can finally get some answers!
That's great, Dawn.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
I-- I should probably get going.
-But you said-- -Dawn.
It's hard for me to be here with you.
I mean, you were my sister, and now you're not,
and...
Why does that make it hard?
It's still me.
I don't know how to describe it,
and I'm really sure I don't want to.
I mean, it... it shouldn't be weird,
but it is.
Jimmy, just-- just tell me.
I don't see you the same anymore.
First, you were a Longchamp, right?
And now, you're a Cutler.
And what does that mean?
Dawn, I've just-- I've just been having
confusing thoughts about you
ever since all this happened.
I've been looking at you...
differently, lately.
Oh.
[laughs] I mean--
you're my sister, for God's sakes!
Yeah, but, I mean... you're right.
I'm not.
Wow.
You are the closest person in the world to me.
You can tell me anything.
I mean, I...
I just don't think I've ever thought that way,
you know, like...
Yeah, yeah, I get it. I get it. It's cool.
But we aren't related in any way.
Like...
what if we just met today?
I'm Dawn Cutler.
It's nice to meet you.
Jimmy Longchamp.
The pleasure's all mine.
Tell me about yourself, Jimmy Longchamp.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have a little sister.
Just one?
Just one.
[chuckles]
[laughs]
Look, Jimmy, if...
if this is the reason you thought you needed to leave,
I don't think you should.
We'll figure this out.
[laughs awkwardly]
[groans] Oh, my god.
[both laughing]
[sighs]
Oh, hey, sis.
I was dying for some girl talk, so...
I figured I would just stop in.
What a pleasant surprise.
So... you meet any cute boys lately?
Mr. Garvey from Room 237
has nice hair for an 80-year-old.
Well, you dirty dog!
[giggles]
Your boyfriend must be all kinds of jealous.
My what?
Your boyfriend.
Your fella.
Your steady.
What're you blabbering about, Clara Jean?
But it's just that I saw you coming out
of Philip's "secret place" the other day,
so I figured that I would listen at the window last night.
Goodness!
The things I heard you two lovebirds talking about.
Clara Jean, listen to me.
I knew you had to be a slut.
Why else would Philip be interested in you?
And maybe...
the police would be interested
in a runaway
hiding in Cutler's Cove.
Clara Jean,
don't call the cops on Jimmy, please?
I have to, Dawn.
It's just the right thing to do.
He's a runaway. He's breaking the law.
Okay.
What do you want?
Well...
first thing I want to know
is how you could talk to your brother like that.
I mean,
I know he's not actually your brother,
but still-- ugh!
What do you want, really?
I want you to do the right thing, Dawn.
I want you to confess.
To what?
To stealing that necklace that disappeared.
I didn't steal it, Clara Jean.
Are you sure?
Are you positive
that it isn't under your mattress?
I'm positive I didn't put it there.
Hmm!
Anyway...
those are my terms.
Just think it over...
...while I go say hi to Grandma.
[huffs with resolve]
[♪]
Oh...
what did I tell you, Grandma?
There's your thief.
[♪]
Well, here we sit with a liar and a thief.
Well, yes, but...
can she be fully blamed for that?
I mean, consider who raised her.
We'll tell Mrs. Wormser
that we found her necklace
in the laundry.
And as for our thief,
do you have anything at all to say for yourself?
I was framed.
[scoffs]
I fully expected you to blame someone else,
but your own sister?
Have you no shame at all?
Only that I'm a Cutler.
[♪]
I knew you wouldn't keep up your end of the deal, Dawn.
Oh, don't hate me for not keeping mine.
[♪]
Let him go! He's not a criminal!
Ma'am, we have to take him back to foster care.
Please, just un-- uncuff him.
Get her inside.
Eugenia, please. They're just doing their job!
Forget it.
I'll be 18 in a couple months. I'll come back for you, okay?
[♪]
[door bangs shut]
I'll come back.
[♪]
[engine starts]
[sobs]
[tub water draining]
[♪]
Philip, get out of here.
I heard about Jimmy getting caught.
-Do you wanna-- -Philip.
-...talk about it? -I mean it.
Get out.
I-I j...
I just can't stand to see you upset, Dawn.
If there was some way I could take away this pain from you,
-you know I would do it. -What're you doing?
I just want to make you feel better, somehow.
Okay, Philip. I'm asking you to leave.
Dawn, you know my feelings haven't changed for you.
And we talked about this.
I just can't stop thinking
about all the things that I was gonna teach you.
-[grunts] -Okay.
Dawn--
You're my brother!
-Stop! -You know you want this--
-No! -...as much as I do.
No!
[grunts]
[thud]
Get out!
You didn't have to bite me!
[slam]
[breath shuddering]
[knocking]
[Randolph] Dawn, it's me.
I just wanted to let you know that I got your letter off.
Try to look on the bright side, Dawn.
For some reason,
everything works out for the better
when people do what Mother says.
[♪]
[door opens]
Proper etiquette for maids
is to knock before entering a room.
Why did you rat out Jimmy?
And don't say it's because I broke some deal,
because you would have done it anyway.
I like making your life miserable, Dawn.
What did I ever do to deserve this?
That was supposed to be my solo
at the recital.
Then, one day, you just show up and ruin everything.
I don't buy that.
That's no reason to hate my guts.
I've hated you my entire life!
I had to grow up
living in the shadow of poor, lost Eugenia.
It was easy for everyone
to project whatever they wanted onto you,
so they could think that you were perfect.
Do you have any idea what it's like playing
second fiddle to a ghost?
And that's my fault?
It sure as hell isn't mine!
But now I have the chance to make your life a living hell,
and that is exactly what I'm gonna do.
[smack]
[Clara Jean huffs indignantly]
Never let your guard down around me, Dawn.
Watch out for me!
Always!
[doorbell chimes]
Hi, um...
I'm looking for Mrs. Dalton?
[door shuts]
Hi.
You're the Mrs. Dalton who used to be a nurse at Cutler's Cove?
Yes, dear.
What is this about?
My name is...
well, my given name is Eugenia Cutler.
Does that mean anything to you?
I was told
you might not remember stuff from a long time ago,
but I'm hoping you can still help me.
My dear...
I believe the reason that I am sitting here
in this wheelchair
is for my penance
for my part in what happened that night.
[choking up] It's providence that brought you back to me.
A chance at-- at redemption.
I've prayed for this.
I'm sorry, I-I don't understand.
There's guilt to go around for the night you disappeared,
and...
I suppose it...
it began with your mother.
[♪]
Your grandmother never approved of Laura Jean,
and I suppose
she saw some things in your mother
that Randolph was... blind to.
After your brother, Philip, was born,
your mother seemed to grow bored,
and the open secret was she strayed...
often.
Her preference was singers.
Those flings would last
only as long as the singers played the hotel
and moved on.
Very few of them ever came back.
But at least one of them left something...
something unplanned.
And that unplanned something was me?
[Mrs. Dalton] Your grandmother tried to force your mother
to end the pregnancy,
but somehow, your mother convinced Lillian
to let Randolph think the baby was his...
and I suppose, for her son's sake,
Lillian went along with it.
And then...
she decided she didn't want you around anymore,
but...
[quietly] ...how to get rid of you?
It was about this time
that Ormand and Sally Longchamp suffered a miscarriage.
Your grandmother saw an opportunity in that.
She would replace the baby they lost
with you.
She gave me...
[sobs] ...a year's salary
to turn the other way.
At the time,
I told myself
no one at Cutler's Cove wanted you anyway,
so why not let parents who would love you
take you?
There hasn't been a day gone by
that I haven't begged the good Lord for forgiveness.
[♪]
I know you felt you were just doing the right thing,
and they were good parents.
It seems to me
you're the best thing
that godforsaken family ever had and...
...you're the one they gave away.
[♪]
Oh, my darling!
So good to see you. You've come for a visit?
I came to talk.
Well, I've been wanting to talk to you
for quite some time.
I think it is long past time that we update your wardrobe.
It's longer past time we talked about my kidnapping.
Oh.
Why do you want to dwell on things like that?
It's in the past.
You're home now.
Let's rejoice about that.
Mother.
Besides, I'm-- I'm not feeling very well today.
Maybe you should go and talk with your father instead.
Which father?
Your husband or my real father?
Is this him?
Or is it someone else?
Why must we talk about disagreeable things?
You should go. I need to sleep.
You knew about Grandmother's plot
for my kidnapping.
You were part of it.
Dawn!
What a silly thing to say!
[darkly] Your own daughter.
What makes you think that I would ever--
[earnestly] Just tell me why, so I can understand!
You cannot blame me for that horrible night.
Why not?
[snaps] Because it wasn't my choice!
[breath shakes]
Your grandmother has the final word on everything!
What could I do?
You could have said "No."
I did a terrible thing...
but I am not a terrible person.
What makes a person terrible, Mother,
if it isn't the things they do?
[gasping]
[sobs]
You are too kind.
We simply try to make everybody who stays at the hotel
feel like family.
Grandmother...
can I pull you away for a moment?
I need to talk to you.
Eugenia, it's not polite to interrupt.
We'll talk later.
I went to visit my old nurse, Mrs. Dalton, earlier.
Let's talk now.
Believe me,
if you think things have been unpleasant for you so far,
you will dream of these days fondly.
You have stretched the limits of my patience
as far as they will go.
Grandmother...
I know everything.
[huffs] I'm sure you think you do.
The senile ramblings of a sick old woman--
Mother
has confirmed everything Mrs. Dalton told me.
All right, fine.
Let's assume you know the truth.
What of it?
Mrs. Dalton agreed
to tell the whole story to the authorities.
I'm sure she'll reconsider.
I don't think she will.
She wants to clear her conscience.
Well, she can weigh her conscience
against her son.
He holds a high position in a company that I own,
and she knows,
if she speaks out against me,
her son will end up in the street.
And as for your mother?
She'll contradict anything she told you
on my say-so.
So, what does that leave you with,
Eugenia?
Well, Grandmother, dear...
...I'm left with me.
Maybe Mrs. Dalton is intimidated by you.
And I am sure Mother can be...
but now I know the truth.
[♪]
[dials operator]
Yes, could you connect me to The Richmond Gazette?
Yes, hi.
My name is Dawn Cutler.
Who would I speak to
about a scandal at the Cutler's Cove Hotel?
Yes, I'll hold.
Do you really think you're intimidating me?
Yes.
[sets receiver down]
[♪]
Maybe you are a Cutler after all.
Tell me what you want.
I want you to use your influence
to get Ormand Longchamp out of jail.
I want to be treated decently around here by everyone.
In the fall,
I want to go to a school
with an excellent music department
so I can pursue my singing.
And one more thing.
You're going to call me "Dawn".
[♪]
[packages rustling]
Why the hell is she getting all new clothes?
Well, sweetheart,
she can't really wear your hand-me-downs
for the rest of her life.
Besides, your clothes
are much too roomy for Eugenia's petite frame.
It's "Dawn".
From now on, that's her name.
Please remember that.
[♪]
I've found a school for you.
Have you heard of
the Bernhardt School for the Arts?
No.
It's the finest school of its kind in New York City,
and you won't find a better place
to train as a singer.
Is that acceptable?
And I'd be living there?
In New York? Not here?
Exactly. Like I said.
Beneficial... for both of us.
So?
Can we consider that settled?
We may.
[birds singing]
Dawn, wait!
What's this I hear about your going to New York?
Get away from me, Philip.
What's the matter?
The only reason you're not in jail right now is because
Lillian has too much pull with the police in this town,
and would never let it happen.
[scoffs] Police?
What are you-- What are you talking about?
The night you tried to rape me?
[hushed] Rape?
Dawn, all girls fight. It's part of the dance.
[loudly] Stop!
All those girls were raped.
Kicking, screaming, and fighting you
isn't a dance, Philip.
How did I not see what you were on day one?
Jimmy knew right away.
-Hey. Now, just-- -Look, I know right now,
I can't do anything to you, Philip.
I know you have
a rich and powerful grandmother who will protect you.
[quietly] But you won't always.
[♪]
[chuckles anxiously]
Dawn, you got a phone call.
It's long distance.
Long distance?
Daddy?
I got your letter, Dawn.
Baby-girl, I'm so, so sorry.
No, Dad, you have nothing to be sorry about.
I don't blame you for anything you did.
I know you were just trying to give me
the best life you could.
Yeah?
You know, I'd like to think that maybe one day,
you and Jimmy,
and Fern and me...
we can be together again.
I don't want to get your hopes up, but...
I think I can get you out of jail.
[laughs]
[operator] Time limit reached.
That's my girl.
[♪]
[door shuts]
[♪]
[Ormand] ♪ Happiness starts with a smile ♪
♪ It's contagious
♪ Catch it now
[Dawn] ♪ Just put one on
♪ And your troubles will be gone ♪
[together] ♪ 'Cause happiness
♪ Starts with a smile
[Dawn] I left Cutler's Cove
and dreamt of thousands of people in an audience
listening to me sing...
but I could never go back to the way things had once been,
when I had truly believed
in fairy tales and happy endings.
Those days were gone.
[♪]
- Dawn, your father,
he's under arrest for kidnapping.
- Kidnapping?
(Dawn laughs)
Oh, no.
Like, that's a good one.
Only I've lived with my father my whole life
and I think I'd have noticed if he had kidnapped someone.
So that's a problem, don't you think?
- Dawn, your parents kidnapped you.
- I think the V.C. Andrews stories
make sense to be on Lifetime
because of how many twists and turns there are.
There is so much fun, juicy drama.
- Melodrama, and soap opera, and gothic romance.
They're stories that can be difficult to get
in other places.
The V.C. Andrews stories tell intergenerational
dramatic stories about women
and Lifetime is the home for that.
- I would describe Dawn as a young, innocent girl
who is put through some of the hardest things
you can imagine
but throughout all of it, she just is resilient.
- We landed the jackpot with Brec.
She's in nearly every scene of the first three films
so she had very little downtime.
Her acting skills are really developed
and she was able to play a teen,
and somebody in their twenties,
and somebody in their thirties.
- I do consider Dawn to be a good person.
I think she wants to see the best in people.
I do feel like she's jaded because she has
been through a lot, so she has trouble trusting people,
but she wants people to be good
and she wants to see that in everyone.
- Do you mind if I sit here?
- Mm-hmm. (Dawn laughs)
- I'm Philip.
I saw you the other day and I've been trying to
work up the nerve to introduce myself.
- I'm Dawn.
So her first love interest you meet, it's Philip Cutler.
He's suave, he has this sexy Mustang,
he's very confident, but he is trouble
and when they learn they're actually brother and sister,
she tries to cut it off and he's still interested,
which causes issues.
- Unlike in "Flowers in the Attic",
when the attraction starts between Dawn and Philip
in this movie, we don't think they're brother and sister.
They just met for the first time,
so we can really get behind this budding romance.
As a producer, one of the things that made it
easier to tell this story was that Brec, as Dawn,
is just so grounded.
Her reactions are what our reactions are
as an audience member.
She's attracted to Philip at the beginning as we are,
and it's once she learns all this information
about him that she realizes this can't happen.
(scoffs)
- I wanted to get you alone.
I was hoping we could talk.
- About what?
- I just can't help but thinking of you
as two different people.
I mean, there's Dawn Cutler,
and then there's the girl I fell for back at school.
- Philip.
- I mean, I'm the first boy you ever kissed, remember?
- Philip, no.
There's a lot of hard scenes for me,
where I'm being aggressively talked to by a guy
that I'm not interested in.
It definitely can take, emotionally, a lot out of me
and it is so nice just to have that super kind,
supportive director, and crew, and cast.
(Brec laughing)
- [Crew Member] Resetting.
- I did it again.
- The actors, themselves, spent so much time together
and they really grew to sort of respect each other
and they became real friends.
- I feel so blessed to be working with the cast
that I'm working with,
like I'm hanging out with them on weekends
because hanging out with them 15 hours a day
apparently isn't enough for me.
I love you for defending me, Jimmy,
but I don't want you to get hurt
because people are telling lies about me.
- I'd never actually leave you.
Don't worry.
- I think Jimmy's a great person.
I think he has a heart of gold.
I think he loves his family, he loves his Dawn.
I think the biggest thing he's gotta work on
is loving himself.
But all in all, I think Jimmy's a great dude.
Good intentions.
It's hard for me to be here with you.
I mean, you were my sister and now you're not, and...
- Why does that make it hard?
It's still me.
- I don't know how to describe it,
and I'm really sure I don't want to.
- As the story unfolds, we also find out
that Jimmy's kind of had some confusing feelings.
He's always felt like Dawn's a little bit different,
and he's always admired her,
and now he realizes that she's not actually his sister.
- [Brec] I think audiences will love how these stories
just keep you on your toes, just so insane.
There's happiness, but there's sadness,
and emotion, and love, and hate, and drama.
- What's gonna be fun about the next three movies
is you're gonna get to see Dawn navigate the world.
You're gonna see this young woman who has tremendous talent
try to figure out how to move forward,
and you're gonna see her fall in love.
You're gonna see her make some serious mistakes
and you're gonna see her navigate
how to get out of the traps of her family history.