Rapunzel Let Down Your Hair (1978) - full transcript
Rapunzel's story from Grimm's fairytales is retold and reinterpreted several times to examine feminist issues. There's the male voyeur as film noir detective; a raunchy cartoon Venus who's a witch; a melodrama of menopausal angst and Rapunzel's own live-action tale.
WOMAN READS: Each one as queen,
mother, huntress
Though each remembers
little of it
And some remember
nothing at all
Resting in crazy houses
From the long spin of history
Drinking the grief
of their sex
Eating it in bitter pills
Muttering in kitchens
Telling their daughters
The story of
a sleeping princess
But knowing it takes more
than a man's kiss
To wake one so bent
on sleeping her life away.
CHATTER
WOMAN READS: Rapunzel.
There once lived
a man and a woman
who had long wanted a child,
and they believed that
at last,
their wish would come true.
They lived in a house with
a small window at the back,
which looked out
on a wonderful garden
full of the finest flowers
and vegetables.
But it was surrounded
by a high wall,
and nobody dared go in
for it belonged
to a powerful witch
who was feared
throughout the land.
One day, when the woman
was standing at this window,
she saw a bed planted with
the most beautiful rapunzels.
They looked so fresh and green
that she was overcome
with the desire to eat some.
Her desire increased
every day,
and since she could not
get any,
she pined away
and grew pale and miserable.
"If I don't have
any rapunzels,"
she moaned, "I shall die."
The man was worried,
and thought to himself,
"I can't lose my wife.
"I must get some rapunzels,
whatever they cost."
That night, at dusk,
he sneaked into the garden,
snatched a handful of plants
and took them to his wife,
who quickly made herself
a salad.
It was so delicious
that the next day,
she longed for more.
So the man climbed
the garden once again,
and as he was climbing back,
the witch suddenly
jumped in front of him.
Her eyes blazed with anger
as she shouted,
"How dare you climb
into my garden
"and steal my rapunzels?!"
"I know I've done wrong,"
the man pleaded, "but pity me.
"My wife wanted
your rapunzels so much
"that she would have died
if she hadn't eaten them."
"Well, if that's the truth,"
the witch replied,
"I'll let you take
all the rapunzels you want
"on one condition -
"you must give me your child
when it's born.
"It'll have a good life,
"and I'll look after it
like a mother."
In his terror, the man agreed,
and when the child was born,
the witch took her away
and named her Rapunzel.
And Rapunzel was
the most beautiful child
under the sun.
But when she was 12 years old,
the witch locked her up
in a tower
in the midst of a wood.
It had neither doors nor steps,
but only one small window
at the very, very top.
That's it.
There's the window,
where Rapunzel can look out of.
READS: When the witch
wanted to get in,
she stood under the window
and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
Rapunzel had long, blonde hair
that shone like gold,
and when she heard
the witch calling,
she would let it down
to the ground
so the old woman
could climb up.
A few years later,
a prince was riding
through the forest
and he heard Rapunzel singing
as he passed by the tower.
The prince longed to see her,
and searched for a door,
but the tower hadn't got one.
He couldn't forget her voice,
and he came to listen to her
every single day.
One day, he saw the witch
going into the tower.
"If that's the ladder,"
he thought,
"then I will climb it."
And when it was dark, he went
to the tower and he called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
And the hair fell down
and he climbed up.
Rapunzel was terrified,
cos she'd never seen a man.
But when the prince
spoke gently to her
about how her song had
moved him, Rapunzel thought,
"Well, he will love me
better than the old woman."
And she put her hands in his
and said,
"I wish I could go with you,
but I can't get out.
"Each time you come,
bring a roll of silk,
"and I will weave a ladder
"so that we can escape
together on your horse."
They agreed that he should
come to her each night,
as the old woman
came in the daytime.
The witch knew nothing of this,
until, one day,
Rapunzel said to her,
"Tell me, why are you
so much harder to lift
"than the prince
who comes every night?"
"Ah! Wicked child!"
cried the witch.
"I thought I'd hidden you
from everyone,
"but you have betrayed me.
The witch was so angry
that she snatched up a pair
of scissors in her right hand,
seized Rapunzel's hair
in her left
and - snip, snap -
the beautiful hair
fell to the ground.
And she was so hard-hearted
that she carried the girl off
to the endless desert
and left her
to look after herself.
On that same day,
she returned to the tower,
fastened the chopped-off hair
to a window hook,
and that evening, the prince
came as usual and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
The hair fell down
and he climbed up,
but instead of Rapunzel,
he found the witch
staring at him
with evil, glittering eyes.
"The bird has flown,"
she sneered.
"The cat has got it.
"It will scratch out
your eyes, as well.
"Forget Rapunzel.
You will never see her again."
In his sorrow, the prince
threw himself from the tower.
He wasn't killed,
but his eyes were pierced
by thorns and he was blinded.
After wandering several years,
grieving over
the loss of Rapunzel,
he came at last to the desert
where Rapunzel lived
with the twins
that she had borne.
When Rapunzel saw him coming,
she called out his name,
and he knew it was her voice.
And as they kissed,
two of her tears
touched his eyes
and he could see again.
And then he took her and
the children to his kingdom,
where they lived long
and happily.
Did you enjoy that story?
Mm, there was one more page.
One more page,
and that's the last page.
SOFT PIANO MUSIC
READS: Rapunzel.
There once lived
a man and a woman
who had long wanted a child,
and they believed, at last,
that their wish
would come true.
They lived in a house with
a small window at the back,
which looked out
on a wonderful garden
full of the finest flowers
and vegetables.
But it was surrounded
by a high wall
and nobody dared go in,
for it belonged
to a powerful witch,
who was feared
throughout the land.
One day, when the woman
was standing at this window,
she saw a bed planted with
the most beautiful rapunzels.
They looked so fresh and green
that she was overcome
with a desire to eat some.
Her desire increased every day,
and since
she could not get any,
she pined away
and grew pale and miserable.
That night, at dusk...
...her husband
climbed into the garden
to steal some rapunzels
for his wife.
EERIE MUSIC
MUSIC IMITATES BIRDSONG
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
CAT MEOWS
CLANG
The man was so terrified
of the witch that,
without a further thought
for his wife,
he promised to give her
their unborn child.
The witch loved Rapunzel
beyond all things.
On her 12th birthday,
she locked her up in a tower
in the midst of a wood.
GENTLE MUSIC
There, she taught Rapunzel
the arts of witchcraft.
180 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:24,200
Rapunzel had long, blonde
hair that shone like gold.
When the witch
wanted to get in,
she stood under the window
and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
A few years later, a prince
was riding through the forest.
FOLK MUSIC
As he passed by the tower,
he heard Rapunzel singing.
WOMAN SINGS IN DISTANCE
189 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:23,920
The prince longed to see
her, and searched for a door,
but the tower had none.
But he couldn't forget
her voice,
and came to listen
every single day.
SINGING CONTINUES
One day, he saw the witch
going into the tower.
"If that's the ladder,"
he thought,
"then I will climb it."
When it was dark, he went
to the tower and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
The hair fell down,
and he climbed up.
They agreed that he should
come to her each night,
as the old woman came
in the day.
Each time he came,
he would bring a roll of silk
so Rapunzel
could weave a ladder,
and they could escape together
on his horse.
The witch knew nothing
of this...
...until, one day,
Rapunzel said to her,
"Tell me, why are you
so much harder to lift
"than the prince
who comes every night?"
"Oh, wicked child!"
cried the witch.
"I thought I'd hidden you
from everyone,
"but you have betrayed me."
The witch was so angry
that she snatched up
a pair of scissors
and - snip, snap -
the beautiful hair
fell to the ground.
Then she carried the girl off
to an endless desert,
and left her
to look after herself.
That evening, the prince came
as usual and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
But instead of Rapunzel,
he found the witch
staring at him
with evil, glittering eyes.
"The bird has flown,"
she sneered.
"The cat has got it, and will
scratch out your eyes, as well.
"Forget Rapunzel.
You will never see her again!"
In his sorrow, the prince
threw himself from the tower.
He wasn't killed,
but his eyes
were pierced by thorns,
and he was blinded.
After wandering several years,
he came at last to the desert
where Rapunzel lived
with the twins she had borne.
As they kissed,
two of her tears
touched his eyes
and he could see again.
Then he took her
and her children
to his father's kingdom.
DETECTIVE: Born to be a slave.
Bought for a few grains
of heroin,
Rapunzel was destined
to sink lower and lower
into degradation.
You look more nervous
than usual.
You wouldn't be pregnant,
would you?
Unless you give it up soon,
the child will be born
an addict, too.
I'm afraid your wife
can't have any more.
But, Martha,
she can't manage without it.
She's been in
the most terrible state.
I thought she was going
to die last week
when we ran out
and she couldn't have any.
MARTHA: Well,
there is a solution.
I will adopt the child.
Of course.
Of course.
That's the perfect solution.
DETECTIVE: Born to be a slave.
Bought for a few grains
of heroin,
Rapunzel was destined
to sink lower and lower
into degradation,
her lovely body kept
for the pleasure of her owner,
and for her alone.
SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYS
From her small window
on the world,
the outside looked bleak.
Rapunzel didn't entertain
the thought of escape.
She was resigned,
and submitted to her fate.
One day, when Martha was out,
a young man entered
the building.
He rang Rapunzel's bell,
and as soon as
she set eyes on him,
she knew she'd trust her fate
to this handsome prince.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
He risked his life
as he entered the domain
of the evil witch,
but taking his courage
in both hands,
he boldly entered
the sweet virgin's chamber.
At first,
she was terrified and shy.
But he, with his charm
and uprightness,
persuaded her
to give him her charms.
He was in heaven,
and promised to return
with her means of escape.
She waited patiently.
SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYS
The short glimpse
of the figure at the window
was enough to send shivers
up and down his spine.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
MUSIC FADES OUT
Good morning, missus.
I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about
the people in number five.
Erm, could you tell me
anything you know about her?
DETECTIVE: Good morning,
sir! I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about
the people in number five.
What do you know about her?
NEIGHBOUR: Oh, yes, yes.
It's that young girl upstairs.
Awful, keeping her
locked up inside like that.
I'm sure the mother
is doing violence
to that sweet little girl,
but I don't like to interfere.
After all,
the family is the family.
It's not right to interfere
in family matters, is it?
TV PLAYS
RAPUNZEL:
I desperately want to know
what goes on
outside these walls.
If only I could go out -
just for a couple of hours.
MARTHA: Rapunzel, my love,
you know that's impossible.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
DETECTIVE: A strange,
sexual intimacy
seemed to exist between
the witch and her protégé.
Was she being trained
for the pleasure of others?
Or did the witch intend to
keep Rapunzel to herself alone?
UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
I've got to help her.
What am I going to say
when I go there?
I can't just say, "Look,
"my name's so-and-so
and I'm a detective."
"Please don't be alarmed.
Please don't be alarmed."
Hmm, yes. Forceful - that's it.
Yeah.
FORCEFULLY:
"Please don't be alarmed."
That should do it, mm.
Hello. Please, don't be scared.
I've come to tell you something
about yourself.
I've got to tell you something
about your...condition
and about your parents -
your real parents.
I've often seen you
at the window
and I've thought how lovely
you looked, and how sad.
I know all about you.
I'm a detective, you know.
Go away. I don't want
to hear any of this.
Oh, I only want to help.
Look, I know you're a junkie,
but there is a cure.
Please don't go on.
I couldn't bear any more.
It's possible.
It's really possible.
I'll bring you the information
from the hospital.
It would be wonderful
to get out.
Don't you worry.
I'll take care of everything.
- I promise.
- Thank you.
I'll be back,
and then we'll never be parted.
DETECTIVE:
When the witch returned,
she smelled
something was amiss.
There had been a man
in the secret retreat.
But Rapunzel bravely
kept her secret.
DOOR OPENS
WITCH: How are you, my darling?
OK.
Hello, lover.
- What did you do today, hmm?
- Oh, nothing.
- Mummy...
- Mm-hm?
..I saw a programme today about
junkies being cured
in hospital.
Am I a junkie?
You've been talking to someone.
Who was it?
You've got to tell me
all about it, do you hear?
He said he'd seen me
at the window
and that I could be cured.
After all I've taught you,
Rapunzel! You don't need him.
- But, Mummy, I...
- What else did he tell you?
You slut!
All right, then.
We'll go to the hospital,
if that's what you want.
But I warn you -
it isn't at all pleasant there.
- No! No, Mummy! No!
- I'm going to cut your hair!
SOUND DISTORTS
No! No! No!
RAPUNZEL PANTS
DOORBELL RINGS
You busybodying swine!
I've fixed you.
I've seen to it
that you've lost your job.
You didn't know
that the chief of police
is a friend of mine, did you?
You lying witch!
I demand to see Rapunzel.
Well, you can't see her.
She isn't here.
And what's more,
she won't be back, ever!
DOOR SLAMS
DETECTIVE: Oh, Rapunzel.
I must find Rapunzel.
I must save her.
♪ There is a garden in her face ♪
VOICES HARMONISE
♪ Where roses ♪
♪ And white lilies grow ♪
♪ A heav'nly paradise ♪
is that place
♪ Is that place ♪
♪ A heav'nly paradise ♪
♪ Wherein all pleasant fruits ♪
do flow
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh ♪
♪ Wherein all pleasant fruits ♪
do flow
♪ Those cherries grow ♪
that none may buy
♪ Till cherry ripe ♪
themselves do cry... ♪
WOMEN WHISPER ON TOP OF MUSIC
ROCK MUSIC PLAYS AT SAME TIME
ROCK MUSIC TAKES OVER
MUSIC STOPS
NARRATOR: Hundreds of thousands
of women were burned as witches
in Renaissance Europe.
Part of our history as women
died with them.
CHURCH BELL CHIMES
The witch is a symbol
of female power.
In a patriarchy,
she is transformed
into a symbol
of male psychic terror.
He may think of her
as young and dangerous...
...but she is
usually represented
as old and repulsive,
her sex withered with age.
These negative images
can also be deeply embedded
in our own unconscious...
..where they affect
how we think about ourselves
as women.
Witches are still
strongly associated
with aspects
of female sexuality
that are usually kept silent
and hidden.
The womb, menstruation,
childbirth.
The history of the witch
is ancient,
dating back to the great
pre-biblical
fertility goddesses,
whose cults were kept alive
by witches in the Middle Ages.
But as the Christian Church
consolidated its hold
on medieval Europe,
the witch became known
as Satan's sister.
Female sexuality
was called evil,
and practising the old
fertility-based religions
was condemned as heresy.
The Medieval Church
also outlawed the practice
of secular medicine.
Witches were often
the village wisewoman,
skilled in herbal medicine,
and the only doctors available
to the peasants.
They performed abortions
and they were midwives
who had drugs
to ease labour pains
in an age
when church doctrine maintained
that all women should suffer
for Eve's original sin.
The Church was on the defensive
and made the witches
its scapegoat.
The witch-hunts
were well-organised,
legalistic campaigns,
waged jointly by the Church
and the state.
As such,
they constitute a victory
for the ruling classes
since the poor came to believe
that they were the victims
of witches and devils,
rather than of princes
and popes.
It is nearly impossible
to estimate
the total number of victims.
Figures go as high
as nine million,
and most of those killed
were women.
Any woman was suspect
on grounds of her sex alone.
Since she was presumed guilty
from the outset,
she would be tortured at length
to extract a confession.
We do know that,
between the years
1542 and 1722,
the English witch-hunts
claimed 1,000 victims,
4,000 people were killed
in Scotland,
and that 400 people
were burned as witches
in a single day in Toulouse.
CHURCH BELLS TOLL
WIND HOWLS
CELLO PLAYS
RADIO PLAYS
How's it going?
It's hard work having to pass
five exams with flying colours.
Do I detect a note of sarcasm?
I suppose I deserve it
for all my nudging and nagging
and it's-for-your-own-good-ing.
But still...
CLOSES CURTAINS
Hello. Taylor.
Hello.
RECEPTIONIST CALLS PATIENT
WOMAN: I've come to see
a lady doctor this time.
- What's she like?
- Oh, she's great.
I've been coming here
for years.
She's a little bit formal,
but, erm, I mean, she'll listen
to anything you've got to say.
She never makes you
feel stupid.
I just couldn't go
to my own GP this time.
I don't suppose
it's anything serious,
but, erm, I get such
a dreadful lot of headaches.
Oh, dear.
My husband says
it's all in my imagination.
Mm.
But, you know, all he wants
is a bit of the other.
- And I feel so tired.
- Yes.
To me, it's just like
a lot of extra hard work.
Mm, yes.
I know just how you feel.
I mean, I didn't
even start to enjoy it
until after
I'd had my tubes tied.
Before, I was just terrified
of getting pregnant.
And when I was on the pill,
that made me sick.
Carol Gordon, please.
And then they put me
on the coil
and then my body
couldn't tolerate that.
And he won't use anything.
He said it spoils his pleasure.
Well, Carol,
what can I do for you?
Well, I've got a boyfriend
and I was wondering if...
You mean you want
some form of contraception?
Well, yes. Do you have
to tell my mother?
Are you afraid
she'll be upset or angry?
Well, you're a grown woman now
and you can make
these decisions for yourself.
I expect you'll come round
to telling her
in your own good time.
What have you been using
up till now?
Well, that's just it - nothing.
I didn't mean to do it,
but I thought if I didn't,
he'd get fed up with me.
Don't let yourself
get pressurised into it.
Still, if it's going
to become a regular thing,
you'll need some form
of birth control.
Well, I don't know
about regular.
- Thanks.
- You look nice.
No, thanks.
Going out?
I'm going around to Anne's,
and her brother's
having a party later.
How about you?
- Tonight's my special clinic.
- Oh, yeah.
You've been going out
a lot lately.
- Have you finished your work?
- Yeah.
Well, it's good
to let off steam now and again.
But remember that quote
from Catherine the Great.
"Study mankind.
"Learn to use men
without surrendering to them."
I'd better go.
If it gets too late,
I'll spend the night at Anne's.
I've got everything I need
for tomorrow.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You smell nice.
Going somewhere special?
You've got enough books
with you.
They're my cover. I told Mum
I was going round to Anne's.
Not your mother again!
Well, I don't like
to lie to her.
I think you should tell her.
Anyway, about Friday night -
we're going to meet
some people from work.
It's very important to me,
so lose the books.
I know I keep going on at you,
but we can't have you
looking like a schoolgirl.
ENGINE STARTS
DOOR OPENS
Oh, hello, love.
Come and have a drink.
Well, just a quick one.
I'm late.
Thanks.
What's the rush? It's Friday.
It's my first free night
all week.
I thought
we could have dinner together.
Where are you off to tonight?
I met someone at the party.
We're going to go to
the pictures.
Oh, I see.
Well, have a good time,
and don't stay out too late.
- Bye.
- Bye.
DOOR CLOSES
MOTHER IN VOICEOVER: I suppose
we all have to grow old.
But why has it got to be
so much harder for women?
Why does our value diminish
in the eyes of the world?
Has this always been the case?
Learning how to cope
with conflicting emotions,
and not to be destroyed
by them?
You've grown up so fast.
I've come about my periods.
I...
For two weeks
out of every four or five,
I'm hysterical, I'm insane.
I scream at the kids and
fight with my husband and I...
I don't know what to do
any more about it.
Is there nothing you can do?
I keep getting cystitis,
but my present doctor,
he just laughs and says,
"You can only get it
from intercourse."
You see, he knows I'm a lesbian
and I think that's why
he won't treat me.
I'm pregnant again
and I've come to you
because I just can't face
going back to that hospital
I went to last time.
I felt as though
I was on an assembly line.
Mrs Lee, please.
The doctor can see you now.
Good morning, Mrs Lee.
Please take a seat.
Well, now this is
your first visit to the surgery
for about two months.
How are you feeling now?
Better?
Well, I'm not so depressed
any more,
and my husband and I are, erm,
getting used
to each other again.
- You mean intercourse?
- Yes.
Things got pretty bad
between us
when I started getting sore
and tensed up,
rather like
when I was first married.
I began to think
he didn't want me any more.
You know, that I was past it.
But since
I've been coming to you,
I have been able to talk to him
more about how I feel.
MOTHER: You were pretty late
last night.
Well, how was school today?
I don't want to talk about it.
All we ever do is talk about
school and university.
I'm not even sure I want to go.
I've always got to do
the same as you, haven't I?
What's happened to you?
Nothing.
Well, if you're going
to survive in this world,
you need a profession.
You don't want
to be dependent on anyone -
on me or on a man.
I'm going round to Anne's -
where people understand me!
GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS
Mother.
Just where have you been?
I do think you owe me
an explanation.
Mother, there's something...
I rang Anne's and her mother
said you weren't there
and that she hadn't seen you
for weeks.
Mother, listen. I'm trying
to tell you something.
I'm pregnant...
...and I want
to keep the child.
I see.
I should have known.
Why the secrecy?
You should have come to me.
You really should have been
more careful.
I couldn't come to you.
I didn't think
you'd understand.
What do you mean
I wouldn't understand?
Have you any idea how hard
it is to bring up a child?
You'll ruin your life.
I have to make my own life.
You can't make it for me.
I want this child.
And I want to live
with Michael.
How could you do this to me,
after all I've taught you?
Mother, I don't want
to hurt you.
I want to do something for me.
Please understand.
I have thought about it.
It's what I want.
You always said a woman
should know her own mind.
Yes. Yes, I suppose I have.
Look, it's late
and we're both tired.
We'll have a talk about it
again and work something out.
SHE HUMS TO HERSELF
♪ Nothing will change ♪
No-one will call
♪ Maybe the shadow moves ♪
on the wall
♪ Nothing can touch ♪
Nothing to feel
♪ Nothing gets through ♪
cos nothing's real
♪ Just empty-headed on your own ♪
♪ Feels like ♪
a long time has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
Feel like...
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time... ♪
PHONE RINGS
Hello?
Oh, hello, Jeff.
No, I'm working right now.
Yeah, it's a new song.
Course you can hear it,
when it's finished.
You're my manager, aren't you?
Hey, just hang on a minute.
I thought we had
this discussion.
I said I wasn't going to do
any more of those sort of gigs.
Look, I don't like
standing there being leered at.
I'd rather keep my day job on.
Look, I know you're my manager,
but you don't seem to be making
a very good job of it.
In fact, I think
I'm going to manage myself!
♪ Nothing will change ♪
No-one will call
♪ Maybe a shadow moves ♪
on the wall
♪ Nothing can touch ♪
Nothing to feel
♪ Nothing gets through ♪
cos nothing's real
♪ The things we have ♪
is on your own
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Nothing has changed ♪
No-one calls
♪ Maybe the shadow moved ♪
an inch down the wall
♪ Nothing breathed ♪
No-one spoke
♪ Well, it's just another day ♪
gone up in smoke
♪ Nothing inside ♪
your empty head
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time. ♪
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
UPBEAT MUSIC
♪ We want freedom, ♪
changes, power
♪ Freedom, changes ♪
♪ In our lives right now ♪
somehow
♪ Somehow, somehow ♪
♪ It's time to ♪
realise our dreams
♪ Change our lives in every way ♪
♪ Got to keep on all the time ♪
♪ Revolution is on the way ♪
right now. ♪
Oh, look.
Are you involved in music?
Oh, I used to be a singer,
but now I just write
and work here
because I was really fed up
with the sort of work
I was being offered.
- I know.
- Do you play?
I see instruments there.
Yeah, we're playing in a pub
this afternoon.
Would you like to come along
and maybe play
one of your songs?
- Oh, I'd love to come.
- You would? Oh, yeah!
I have to go and pick my kids
up later at my mum's, but...
- Oh, bring them as well.
- Can I bring them?
- All are welcome.
- Where is it?
Erm, Muller's Heath.
- Oh, I'd love to.
- Kings Cross.
Look, I'll see you there later
perhaps.
Oh, great!
WOMAN: Come here.
Come over here. Come over here.
CHILD WHINES
Hang on a minute!
See how much that costs.
FUNKY UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
Excuse me, we're playing some
music in a pub up the road.
I wonder if you'd like
to come along and join us.
WOMEN CHAT EXCITEDLY
Yeah, it's a party right now.
Are you free?
All right. Come on.
THEY MOUTH SILENTLY
♪ Too much sorrow ♪
♪ In our wonderland of dreams ♪
♪ Never coming true ♪
♪ Women wanting freedom now ♪
♪ What can we do? ♪
♪ It's happening ♪
♪ Be it love, be it beauty ♪
♪ Equal pay ♪
♪ No more promised land ♪
♪ We want changes, ♪
freedom, power
♪ Changes, freedom, power ♪
♪ Changes, freedom, power ♪
♪ Changes, freedom, power... ♪
That's lovely. What about Liv?
Do you want a cup of tea, love?
And Teddy? One for Teddy?
DOOR OPENS
- Hello, Mum.
- Hello, love.
- Hello, kids.
- CHILDREN: Hello.
Thanks a million
for picking them up, Mum.
That's all right, love.
Have they been
behaving themselves?
Oh, lovely. Ever so good.
You look pretty pleased
with yourself today.
I've got something to tell you.
I met this man.
We've been seeing each other.
Things are changing a bit.
Mum, I'm really glad!
Is it serious?
Well, I don't know, really,
but I'm having a good time -
first time for years -
and I don't care
what anybody says.
He sounds great.
It's like that song
you're writing -
Let Down Your Hair.
THEY LAUGH
Hey, you know what happened
to me today?
I was at work behind the till
and a crowd of women came up.
They're musicians,
and they've asked us all
to go to a party,
and I think we should all go.
- Me and all?
- Of course!
I'm not going without you.
Well, they'll all be
much younger than me.
No. We haven't been out
together for ages.
- Come on. Let's all go.
- OK.
Go and get the kids' coats.
Do you want to go to a party?
CHATTER
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh ♪
♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ People moving ♪
in the wrong direction
♪ All they need ♪
is the right connection
♪ Trying hard ♪
to rearrange their soul
♪ Didn't I tell you that ♪
it is time you faced his call?
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ I've got the downtown blues ♪
♪ Talking about ♪
the beauty that they abuse
♪ Talking about confusion ♪
on future in society
♪ Got to blame it on the... ♪
♪ No, the hard times ♪
don't bother me... ♪
MUSIC CONTINUES INDOORS
Hello. Hello, kids.
♪ I could use a pill ♪
to change the time
♪ We ain't got the time to kill ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, oh-oh-oh... ♪
I heard you singing last night.
I was standing outside
the door listening.
I haven't got time to talk to
you now. I want to go inside.
Look, I was furious on
the phone and I came round...
I was pretty angry myself
and now I just want
to get on with my work.
You've changed.
You've really changed.
Maybe I have. I don't know.
I'm writing what I feel
and I don't want you or anyone
to tell me
what my songs should say.
♪ To take time out ♪
♪ We ain't got no time to kill ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh... ♪
No, don't push me.
OK. I'll wait for you.
All right.
♪ Situation stays the same ♪
♪ As I will continue ♪
♪ To reject you ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, whoa-oh-oh! ♪
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
Thank you.
SHE MOUTHS SILENTLY
♪ A song unsung ♪
♪ A woman's life ♪
♪ I'm questioning ♪
♪ I don't know the answer ♪
♪ As a child ♪
Everything's confusing
♪ No-one tells you why ♪
♪ They ask you in ♪
♪ Growing up on your own ♪
♪ They teach you things ♪
♪ It's automatic learning ♪
♪ School stays a million miles ♪
from the way you feel
♪ Don't try too hard, girl ♪
♪ You know there's a place ♪
waiting for you
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ You wake one day terrified ♪
♪ Your body bleeds ♪
There isn't any wounding
♪ It's the curse of Eve ♪
♪ What's she to do with me? ♪
♪ I could bleed to death ♪
and no-one gonna hear me scream
♪ Mother, your silence ♪
didn't help me none
♪ You were on my side ♪
Now we have to take sides
♪ You say it's a silence ♪
of sympathy
♪ Part of you did scream ♪
when I'm born
♪ You don't scream for me now ♪
♪ Mother, let down your hair ♪
♪ Tell me ♪
♪ How did it feel? ♪
MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Dream continues ♪
♪ You're a goddess now ♪
♪ A sacred thing ♪
♪ Silent as a statue ♪
♪ A voice says he loves you ♪
♪ What's behind the word? ♪
♪ "I want to buy her" ♪
♪ Well, how can I say ♪
I'm not for sale?
♪ Now there's a pressure ♪
and it's building up
♪ Building holes in you ♪
It's taking you over
♪ The body - a shooting star ♪
you can't control
♪ It's out of your hands ♪
♪ You lie there when it's over ♪
♪ Now you know ♪
their awful secret
♪ Mother, let down your hair ♪
♪ And tell me ♪
♪ How did you feel? ♪
♪ You need to love ♪
♪ But you're angry ♪
♪ He says, "Just lie still ♪
♪ "The pleasure's all mine" ♪
♪ Did you come last night ♪
or were you pretending
♪ Just to save going through ♪
the whole thing again?
♪ There's something screaming ♪
inside you
♪ Do other women rage ♪
under this crushing wave?
♪ Beside from me ♪
♪ Fling out my long witch's hat ♪
♪ Try to open your eyes ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ I'm torn in two ♪
by this confusion
♪ What have we learned ♪
with all these hurts and pain?
♪ Women loving together ♪
free and equally
♪ Find the power ♪
♪ Find our sexuality ♪
♪ Come down from the tower ♪
There's many roads outside
♪ The choice is yours ♪
Live witch or dead angel
♪ I could tell you now ♪
The struggle's never-ending
♪ There ain't one answer ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout. ♪
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
mother, huntress
Though each remembers
little of it
And some remember
nothing at all
Resting in crazy houses
From the long spin of history
Drinking the grief
of their sex
Eating it in bitter pills
Muttering in kitchens
Telling their daughters
The story of
a sleeping princess
But knowing it takes more
than a man's kiss
To wake one so bent
on sleeping her life away.
CHATTER
WOMAN READS: Rapunzel.
There once lived
a man and a woman
who had long wanted a child,
and they believed that
at last,
their wish would come true.
They lived in a house with
a small window at the back,
which looked out
on a wonderful garden
full of the finest flowers
and vegetables.
But it was surrounded
by a high wall,
and nobody dared go in
for it belonged
to a powerful witch
who was feared
throughout the land.
One day, when the woman
was standing at this window,
she saw a bed planted with
the most beautiful rapunzels.
They looked so fresh and green
that she was overcome
with the desire to eat some.
Her desire increased
every day,
and since she could not
get any,
she pined away
and grew pale and miserable.
"If I don't have
any rapunzels,"
she moaned, "I shall die."
The man was worried,
and thought to himself,
"I can't lose my wife.
"I must get some rapunzels,
whatever they cost."
That night, at dusk,
he sneaked into the garden,
snatched a handful of plants
and took them to his wife,
who quickly made herself
a salad.
It was so delicious
that the next day,
she longed for more.
So the man climbed
the garden once again,
and as he was climbing back,
the witch suddenly
jumped in front of him.
Her eyes blazed with anger
as she shouted,
"How dare you climb
into my garden
"and steal my rapunzels?!"
"I know I've done wrong,"
the man pleaded, "but pity me.
"My wife wanted
your rapunzels so much
"that she would have died
if she hadn't eaten them."
"Well, if that's the truth,"
the witch replied,
"I'll let you take
all the rapunzels you want
"on one condition -
"you must give me your child
when it's born.
"It'll have a good life,
"and I'll look after it
like a mother."
In his terror, the man agreed,
and when the child was born,
the witch took her away
and named her Rapunzel.
And Rapunzel was
the most beautiful child
under the sun.
But when she was 12 years old,
the witch locked her up
in a tower
in the midst of a wood.
It had neither doors nor steps,
but only one small window
at the very, very top.
That's it.
There's the window,
where Rapunzel can look out of.
READS: When the witch
wanted to get in,
she stood under the window
and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
Rapunzel had long, blonde hair
that shone like gold,
and when she heard
the witch calling,
she would let it down
to the ground
so the old woman
could climb up.
A few years later,
a prince was riding
through the forest
and he heard Rapunzel singing
as he passed by the tower.
The prince longed to see her,
and searched for a door,
but the tower hadn't got one.
He couldn't forget her voice,
and he came to listen to her
every single day.
One day, he saw the witch
going into the tower.
"If that's the ladder,"
he thought,
"then I will climb it."
And when it was dark, he went
to the tower and he called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
And the hair fell down
and he climbed up.
Rapunzel was terrified,
cos she'd never seen a man.
But when the prince
spoke gently to her
about how her song had
moved him, Rapunzel thought,
"Well, he will love me
better than the old woman."
And she put her hands in his
and said,
"I wish I could go with you,
but I can't get out.
"Each time you come,
bring a roll of silk,
"and I will weave a ladder
"so that we can escape
together on your horse."
They agreed that he should
come to her each night,
as the old woman
came in the daytime.
The witch knew nothing of this,
until, one day,
Rapunzel said to her,
"Tell me, why are you
so much harder to lift
"than the prince
who comes every night?"
"Ah! Wicked child!"
cried the witch.
"I thought I'd hidden you
from everyone,
"but you have betrayed me.
The witch was so angry
that she snatched up a pair
of scissors in her right hand,
seized Rapunzel's hair
in her left
and - snip, snap -
the beautiful hair
fell to the ground.
And she was so hard-hearted
that she carried the girl off
to the endless desert
and left her
to look after herself.
On that same day,
she returned to the tower,
fastened the chopped-off hair
to a window hook,
and that evening, the prince
came as usual and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
The hair fell down
and he climbed up,
but instead of Rapunzel,
he found the witch
staring at him
with evil, glittering eyes.
"The bird has flown,"
she sneered.
"The cat has got it.
"It will scratch out
your eyes, as well.
"Forget Rapunzel.
You will never see her again."
In his sorrow, the prince
threw himself from the tower.
He wasn't killed,
but his eyes were pierced
by thorns and he was blinded.
After wandering several years,
grieving over
the loss of Rapunzel,
he came at last to the desert
where Rapunzel lived
with the twins
that she had borne.
When Rapunzel saw him coming,
she called out his name,
and he knew it was her voice.
And as they kissed,
two of her tears
touched his eyes
and he could see again.
And then he took her and
the children to his kingdom,
where they lived long
and happily.
Did you enjoy that story?
Mm, there was one more page.
One more page,
and that's the last page.
SOFT PIANO MUSIC
READS: Rapunzel.
There once lived
a man and a woman
who had long wanted a child,
and they believed, at last,
that their wish
would come true.
They lived in a house with
a small window at the back,
which looked out
on a wonderful garden
full of the finest flowers
and vegetables.
But it was surrounded
by a high wall
and nobody dared go in,
for it belonged
to a powerful witch,
who was feared
throughout the land.
One day, when the woman
was standing at this window,
she saw a bed planted with
the most beautiful rapunzels.
They looked so fresh and green
that she was overcome
with a desire to eat some.
Her desire increased every day,
and since
she could not get any,
she pined away
and grew pale and miserable.
That night, at dusk...
...her husband
climbed into the garden
to steal some rapunzels
for his wife.
EERIE MUSIC
MUSIC IMITATES BIRDSONG
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
CAT MEOWS
CLANG
The man was so terrified
of the witch that,
without a further thought
for his wife,
he promised to give her
their unborn child.
The witch loved Rapunzel
beyond all things.
On her 12th birthday,
she locked her up in a tower
in the midst of a wood.
GENTLE MUSIC
There, she taught Rapunzel
the arts of witchcraft.
180 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:24,200
Rapunzel had long, blonde
hair that shone like gold.
When the witch
wanted to get in,
she stood under the window
and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
A few years later, a prince
was riding through the forest.
FOLK MUSIC
As he passed by the tower,
he heard Rapunzel singing.
WOMAN SINGS IN DISTANCE
189 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:23,920
The prince longed to see
her, and searched for a door,
but the tower had none.
But he couldn't forget
her voice,
and came to listen
every single day.
SINGING CONTINUES
One day, he saw the witch
going into the tower.
"If that's the ladder,"
he thought,
"then I will climb it."
When it was dark, he went
to the tower and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
The hair fell down,
and he climbed up.
They agreed that he should
come to her each night,
as the old woman came
in the day.
Each time he came,
he would bring a roll of silk
so Rapunzel
could weave a ladder,
and they could escape together
on his horse.
The witch knew nothing
of this...
...until, one day,
Rapunzel said to her,
"Tell me, why are you
so much harder to lift
"than the prince
who comes every night?"
"Oh, wicked child!"
cried the witch.
"I thought I'd hidden you
from everyone,
"but you have betrayed me."
The witch was so angry
that she snatched up
a pair of scissors
and - snip, snap -
the beautiful hair
fell to the ground.
Then she carried the girl off
to an endless desert,
and left her
to look after herself.
That evening, the prince came
as usual and called,
"Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
Let down your hair!"
But instead of Rapunzel,
he found the witch
staring at him
with evil, glittering eyes.
"The bird has flown,"
she sneered.
"The cat has got it, and will
scratch out your eyes, as well.
"Forget Rapunzel.
You will never see her again!"
In his sorrow, the prince
threw himself from the tower.
He wasn't killed,
but his eyes
were pierced by thorns,
and he was blinded.
After wandering several years,
he came at last to the desert
where Rapunzel lived
with the twins she had borne.
As they kissed,
two of her tears
touched his eyes
and he could see again.
Then he took her
and her children
to his father's kingdom.
DETECTIVE: Born to be a slave.
Bought for a few grains
of heroin,
Rapunzel was destined
to sink lower and lower
into degradation.
You look more nervous
than usual.
You wouldn't be pregnant,
would you?
Unless you give it up soon,
the child will be born
an addict, too.
I'm afraid your wife
can't have any more.
But, Martha,
she can't manage without it.
She's been in
the most terrible state.
I thought she was going
to die last week
when we ran out
and she couldn't have any.
MARTHA: Well,
there is a solution.
I will adopt the child.
Of course.
Of course.
That's the perfect solution.
DETECTIVE: Born to be a slave.
Bought for a few grains
of heroin,
Rapunzel was destined
to sink lower and lower
into degradation,
her lovely body kept
for the pleasure of her owner,
and for her alone.
SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYS
From her small window
on the world,
the outside looked bleak.
Rapunzel didn't entertain
the thought of escape.
She was resigned,
and submitted to her fate.
One day, when Martha was out,
a young man entered
the building.
He rang Rapunzel's bell,
and as soon as
she set eyes on him,
she knew she'd trust her fate
to this handsome prince.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
He risked his life
as he entered the domain
of the evil witch,
but taking his courage
in both hands,
he boldly entered
the sweet virgin's chamber.
At first,
she was terrified and shy.
But he, with his charm
and uprightness,
persuaded her
to give him her charms.
He was in heaven,
and promised to return
with her means of escape.
She waited patiently.
SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYS
The short glimpse
of the figure at the window
was enough to send shivers
up and down his spine.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
MUSIC FADES OUT
Good morning, missus.
I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about
the people in number five.
Erm, could you tell me
anything you know about her?
DETECTIVE: Good morning,
sir! I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about
the people in number five.
What do you know about her?
NEIGHBOUR: Oh, yes, yes.
It's that young girl upstairs.
Awful, keeping her
locked up inside like that.
I'm sure the mother
is doing violence
to that sweet little girl,
but I don't like to interfere.
After all,
the family is the family.
It's not right to interfere
in family matters, is it?
TV PLAYS
RAPUNZEL:
I desperately want to know
what goes on
outside these walls.
If only I could go out -
just for a couple of hours.
MARTHA: Rapunzel, my love,
you know that's impossible.
FUNK MUSIC PLAYS
DETECTIVE: A strange,
sexual intimacy
seemed to exist between
the witch and her protégé.
Was she being trained
for the pleasure of others?
Or did the witch intend to
keep Rapunzel to herself alone?
UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
I've got to help her.
What am I going to say
when I go there?
I can't just say, "Look,
"my name's so-and-so
and I'm a detective."
"Please don't be alarmed.
Please don't be alarmed."
Hmm, yes. Forceful - that's it.
Yeah.
FORCEFULLY:
"Please don't be alarmed."
That should do it, mm.
Hello. Please, don't be scared.
I've come to tell you something
about yourself.
I've got to tell you something
about your...condition
and about your parents -
your real parents.
I've often seen you
at the window
and I've thought how lovely
you looked, and how sad.
I know all about you.
I'm a detective, you know.
Go away. I don't want
to hear any of this.
Oh, I only want to help.
Look, I know you're a junkie,
but there is a cure.
Please don't go on.
I couldn't bear any more.
It's possible.
It's really possible.
I'll bring you the information
from the hospital.
It would be wonderful
to get out.
Don't you worry.
I'll take care of everything.
- I promise.
- Thank you.
I'll be back,
and then we'll never be parted.
DETECTIVE:
When the witch returned,
she smelled
something was amiss.
There had been a man
in the secret retreat.
But Rapunzel bravely
kept her secret.
DOOR OPENS
WITCH: How are you, my darling?
OK.
Hello, lover.
- What did you do today, hmm?
- Oh, nothing.
- Mummy...
- Mm-hm?
..I saw a programme today about
junkies being cured
in hospital.
Am I a junkie?
You've been talking to someone.
Who was it?
You've got to tell me
all about it, do you hear?
He said he'd seen me
at the window
and that I could be cured.
After all I've taught you,
Rapunzel! You don't need him.
- But, Mummy, I...
- What else did he tell you?
You slut!
All right, then.
We'll go to the hospital,
if that's what you want.
But I warn you -
it isn't at all pleasant there.
- No! No, Mummy! No!
- I'm going to cut your hair!
SOUND DISTORTS
No! No! No!
RAPUNZEL PANTS
DOORBELL RINGS
You busybodying swine!
I've fixed you.
I've seen to it
that you've lost your job.
You didn't know
that the chief of police
is a friend of mine, did you?
You lying witch!
I demand to see Rapunzel.
Well, you can't see her.
She isn't here.
And what's more,
she won't be back, ever!
DOOR SLAMS
DETECTIVE: Oh, Rapunzel.
I must find Rapunzel.
I must save her.
♪ There is a garden in her face ♪
VOICES HARMONISE
♪ Where roses ♪
♪ And white lilies grow ♪
♪ A heav'nly paradise ♪
is that place
♪ Is that place ♪
♪ A heav'nly paradise ♪
♪ Wherein all pleasant fruits ♪
do flow
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh ♪
♪ Wherein all pleasant fruits ♪
do flow
♪ Those cherries grow ♪
that none may buy
♪ Till cherry ripe ♪
themselves do cry... ♪
WOMEN WHISPER ON TOP OF MUSIC
ROCK MUSIC PLAYS AT SAME TIME
ROCK MUSIC TAKES OVER
MUSIC STOPS
NARRATOR: Hundreds of thousands
of women were burned as witches
in Renaissance Europe.
Part of our history as women
died with them.
CHURCH BELL CHIMES
The witch is a symbol
of female power.
In a patriarchy,
she is transformed
into a symbol
of male psychic terror.
He may think of her
as young and dangerous...
...but she is
usually represented
as old and repulsive,
her sex withered with age.
These negative images
can also be deeply embedded
in our own unconscious...
..where they affect
how we think about ourselves
as women.
Witches are still
strongly associated
with aspects
of female sexuality
that are usually kept silent
and hidden.
The womb, menstruation,
childbirth.
The history of the witch
is ancient,
dating back to the great
pre-biblical
fertility goddesses,
whose cults were kept alive
by witches in the Middle Ages.
But as the Christian Church
consolidated its hold
on medieval Europe,
the witch became known
as Satan's sister.
Female sexuality
was called evil,
and practising the old
fertility-based religions
was condemned as heresy.
The Medieval Church
also outlawed the practice
of secular medicine.
Witches were often
the village wisewoman,
skilled in herbal medicine,
and the only doctors available
to the peasants.
They performed abortions
and they were midwives
who had drugs
to ease labour pains
in an age
when church doctrine maintained
that all women should suffer
for Eve's original sin.
The Church was on the defensive
and made the witches
its scapegoat.
The witch-hunts
were well-organised,
legalistic campaigns,
waged jointly by the Church
and the state.
As such,
they constitute a victory
for the ruling classes
since the poor came to believe
that they were the victims
of witches and devils,
rather than of princes
and popes.
It is nearly impossible
to estimate
the total number of victims.
Figures go as high
as nine million,
and most of those killed
were women.
Any woman was suspect
on grounds of her sex alone.
Since she was presumed guilty
from the outset,
she would be tortured at length
to extract a confession.
We do know that,
between the years
1542 and 1722,
the English witch-hunts
claimed 1,000 victims,
4,000 people were killed
in Scotland,
and that 400 people
were burned as witches
in a single day in Toulouse.
CHURCH BELLS TOLL
WIND HOWLS
CELLO PLAYS
RADIO PLAYS
How's it going?
It's hard work having to pass
five exams with flying colours.
Do I detect a note of sarcasm?
I suppose I deserve it
for all my nudging and nagging
and it's-for-your-own-good-ing.
But still...
CLOSES CURTAINS
Hello. Taylor.
Hello.
RECEPTIONIST CALLS PATIENT
WOMAN: I've come to see
a lady doctor this time.
- What's she like?
- Oh, she's great.
I've been coming here
for years.
She's a little bit formal,
but, erm, I mean, she'll listen
to anything you've got to say.
She never makes you
feel stupid.
I just couldn't go
to my own GP this time.
I don't suppose
it's anything serious,
but, erm, I get such
a dreadful lot of headaches.
Oh, dear.
My husband says
it's all in my imagination.
Mm.
But, you know, all he wants
is a bit of the other.
- And I feel so tired.
- Yes.
To me, it's just like
a lot of extra hard work.
Mm, yes.
I know just how you feel.
I mean, I didn't
even start to enjoy it
until after
I'd had my tubes tied.
Before, I was just terrified
of getting pregnant.
And when I was on the pill,
that made me sick.
Carol Gordon, please.
And then they put me
on the coil
and then my body
couldn't tolerate that.
And he won't use anything.
He said it spoils his pleasure.
Well, Carol,
what can I do for you?
Well, I've got a boyfriend
and I was wondering if...
You mean you want
some form of contraception?
Well, yes. Do you have
to tell my mother?
Are you afraid
she'll be upset or angry?
Well, you're a grown woman now
and you can make
these decisions for yourself.
I expect you'll come round
to telling her
in your own good time.
What have you been using
up till now?
Well, that's just it - nothing.
I didn't mean to do it,
but I thought if I didn't,
he'd get fed up with me.
Don't let yourself
get pressurised into it.
Still, if it's going
to become a regular thing,
you'll need some form
of birth control.
Well, I don't know
about regular.
- Thanks.
- You look nice.
No, thanks.
Going out?
I'm going around to Anne's,
and her brother's
having a party later.
How about you?
- Tonight's my special clinic.
- Oh, yeah.
You've been going out
a lot lately.
- Have you finished your work?
- Yeah.
Well, it's good
to let off steam now and again.
But remember that quote
from Catherine the Great.
"Study mankind.
"Learn to use men
without surrendering to them."
I'd better go.
If it gets too late,
I'll spend the night at Anne's.
I've got everything I need
for tomorrow.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You smell nice.
Going somewhere special?
You've got enough books
with you.
They're my cover. I told Mum
I was going round to Anne's.
Not your mother again!
Well, I don't like
to lie to her.
I think you should tell her.
Anyway, about Friday night -
we're going to meet
some people from work.
It's very important to me,
so lose the books.
I know I keep going on at you,
but we can't have you
looking like a schoolgirl.
ENGINE STARTS
DOOR OPENS
Oh, hello, love.
Come and have a drink.
Well, just a quick one.
I'm late.
Thanks.
What's the rush? It's Friday.
It's my first free night
all week.
I thought
we could have dinner together.
Where are you off to tonight?
I met someone at the party.
We're going to go to
the pictures.
Oh, I see.
Well, have a good time,
and don't stay out too late.
- Bye.
- Bye.
DOOR CLOSES
MOTHER IN VOICEOVER: I suppose
we all have to grow old.
But why has it got to be
so much harder for women?
Why does our value diminish
in the eyes of the world?
Has this always been the case?
Learning how to cope
with conflicting emotions,
and not to be destroyed
by them?
You've grown up so fast.
I've come about my periods.
I...
For two weeks
out of every four or five,
I'm hysterical, I'm insane.
I scream at the kids and
fight with my husband and I...
I don't know what to do
any more about it.
Is there nothing you can do?
I keep getting cystitis,
but my present doctor,
he just laughs and says,
"You can only get it
from intercourse."
You see, he knows I'm a lesbian
and I think that's why
he won't treat me.
I'm pregnant again
and I've come to you
because I just can't face
going back to that hospital
I went to last time.
I felt as though
I was on an assembly line.
Mrs Lee, please.
The doctor can see you now.
Good morning, Mrs Lee.
Please take a seat.
Well, now this is
your first visit to the surgery
for about two months.
How are you feeling now?
Better?
Well, I'm not so depressed
any more,
and my husband and I are, erm,
getting used
to each other again.
- You mean intercourse?
- Yes.
Things got pretty bad
between us
when I started getting sore
and tensed up,
rather like
when I was first married.
I began to think
he didn't want me any more.
You know, that I was past it.
But since
I've been coming to you,
I have been able to talk to him
more about how I feel.
MOTHER: You were pretty late
last night.
Well, how was school today?
I don't want to talk about it.
All we ever do is talk about
school and university.
I'm not even sure I want to go.
I've always got to do
the same as you, haven't I?
What's happened to you?
Nothing.
Well, if you're going
to survive in this world,
you need a profession.
You don't want
to be dependent on anyone -
on me or on a man.
I'm going round to Anne's -
where people understand me!
GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS
Mother.
Just where have you been?
I do think you owe me
an explanation.
Mother, there's something...
I rang Anne's and her mother
said you weren't there
and that she hadn't seen you
for weeks.
Mother, listen. I'm trying
to tell you something.
I'm pregnant...
...and I want
to keep the child.
I see.
I should have known.
Why the secrecy?
You should have come to me.
You really should have been
more careful.
I couldn't come to you.
I didn't think
you'd understand.
What do you mean
I wouldn't understand?
Have you any idea how hard
it is to bring up a child?
You'll ruin your life.
I have to make my own life.
You can't make it for me.
I want this child.
And I want to live
with Michael.
How could you do this to me,
after all I've taught you?
Mother, I don't want
to hurt you.
I want to do something for me.
Please understand.
I have thought about it.
It's what I want.
You always said a woman
should know her own mind.
Yes. Yes, I suppose I have.
Look, it's late
and we're both tired.
We'll have a talk about it
again and work something out.
SHE HUMS TO HERSELF
♪ Nothing will change ♪
No-one will call
♪ Maybe the shadow moves ♪
on the wall
♪ Nothing can touch ♪
Nothing to feel
♪ Nothing gets through ♪
cos nothing's real
♪ Just empty-headed on your own ♪
♪ Feels like ♪
a long time has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
Feel like...
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time... ♪
PHONE RINGS
Hello?
Oh, hello, Jeff.
No, I'm working right now.
Yeah, it's a new song.
Course you can hear it,
when it's finished.
You're my manager, aren't you?
Hey, just hang on a minute.
I thought we had
this discussion.
I said I wasn't going to do
any more of those sort of gigs.
Look, I don't like
standing there being leered at.
I'd rather keep my day job on.
Look, I know you're my manager,
but you don't seem to be making
a very good job of it.
In fact, I think
I'm going to manage myself!
♪ Nothing will change ♪
No-one will call
♪ Maybe a shadow moves ♪
on the wall
♪ Nothing can touch ♪
Nothing to feel
♪ Nothing gets through ♪
cos nothing's real
♪ The things we have ♪
is on your own
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Nothing has changed ♪
No-one calls
♪ Maybe the shadow moved ♪
an inch down the wall
♪ Nothing breathed ♪
No-one spoke
♪ Well, it's just another day ♪
gone up in smoke
♪ Nothing inside ♪
your empty head
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a long time ♪
has left you
♪ Like a long, long time ♪
♪ Feel like a prison wall ♪
around you
♪ Like a long, long time. ♪
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
TILL RATTLES
UPBEAT MUSIC
♪ We want freedom, ♪
changes, power
♪ Freedom, changes ♪
♪ In our lives right now ♪
somehow
♪ Somehow, somehow ♪
♪ It's time to ♪
realise our dreams
♪ Change our lives in every way ♪
♪ Got to keep on all the time ♪
♪ Revolution is on the way ♪
right now. ♪
Oh, look.
Are you involved in music?
Oh, I used to be a singer,
but now I just write
and work here
because I was really fed up
with the sort of work
I was being offered.
- I know.
- Do you play?
I see instruments there.
Yeah, we're playing in a pub
this afternoon.
Would you like to come along
and maybe play
one of your songs?
- Oh, I'd love to come.
- You would? Oh, yeah!
I have to go and pick my kids
up later at my mum's, but...
- Oh, bring them as well.
- Can I bring them?
- All are welcome.
- Where is it?
Erm, Muller's Heath.
- Oh, I'd love to.
- Kings Cross.
Look, I'll see you there later
perhaps.
Oh, great!
WOMAN: Come here.
Come over here. Come over here.
CHILD WHINES
Hang on a minute!
See how much that costs.
FUNKY UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
Excuse me, we're playing some
music in a pub up the road.
I wonder if you'd like
to come along and join us.
WOMEN CHAT EXCITEDLY
Yeah, it's a party right now.
Are you free?
All right. Come on.
THEY MOUTH SILENTLY
♪ Too much sorrow ♪
♪ In our wonderland of dreams ♪
♪ Never coming true ♪
♪ Women wanting freedom now ♪
♪ What can we do? ♪
♪ It's happening ♪
♪ Be it love, be it beauty ♪
♪ Equal pay ♪
♪ No more promised land ♪
♪ We want changes, ♪
freedom, power
♪ Changes, freedom, power ♪
♪ Changes, freedom, power ♪
♪ Changes, freedom, power... ♪
That's lovely. What about Liv?
Do you want a cup of tea, love?
And Teddy? One for Teddy?
DOOR OPENS
- Hello, Mum.
- Hello, love.
- Hello, kids.
- CHILDREN: Hello.
Thanks a million
for picking them up, Mum.
That's all right, love.
Have they been
behaving themselves?
Oh, lovely. Ever so good.
You look pretty pleased
with yourself today.
I've got something to tell you.
I met this man.
We've been seeing each other.
Things are changing a bit.
Mum, I'm really glad!
Is it serious?
Well, I don't know, really,
but I'm having a good time -
first time for years -
and I don't care
what anybody says.
He sounds great.
It's like that song
you're writing -
Let Down Your Hair.
THEY LAUGH
Hey, you know what happened
to me today?
I was at work behind the till
and a crowd of women came up.
They're musicians,
and they've asked us all
to go to a party,
and I think we should all go.
- Me and all?
- Of course!
I'm not going without you.
Well, they'll all be
much younger than me.
No. We haven't been out
together for ages.
- Come on. Let's all go.
- OK.
Go and get the kids' coats.
Do you want to go to a party?
CHATTER
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh ♪
♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ People moving ♪
in the wrong direction
♪ All they need ♪
is the right connection
♪ Trying hard ♪
to rearrange their soul
♪ Didn't I tell you that ♪
it is time you faced his call?
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ I've got the downtown blues ♪
♪ Talking about ♪
the beauty that they abuse
♪ Talking about confusion ♪
on future in society
♪ Got to blame it on the... ♪
♪ No, the hard times ♪
don't bother me... ♪
MUSIC CONTINUES INDOORS
Hello. Hello, kids.
♪ I could use a pill ♪
to change the time
♪ We ain't got the time to kill ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, oh-oh-oh... ♪
I heard you singing last night.
I was standing outside
the door listening.
I haven't got time to talk to
you now. I want to go inside.
Look, I was furious on
the phone and I came round...
I was pretty angry myself
and now I just want
to get on with my work.
You've changed.
You've really changed.
Maybe I have. I don't know.
I'm writing what I feel
and I don't want you or anyone
to tell me
what my songs should say.
♪ To take time out ♪
♪ We ain't got no time to kill ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh... ♪
No, don't push me.
OK. I'll wait for you.
All right.
♪ Situation stays the same ♪
♪ As I will continue ♪
♪ To reject you ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ High time, whoa-oh-oh! ♪
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
Thank you.
SHE MOUTHS SILENTLY
♪ A song unsung ♪
♪ A woman's life ♪
♪ I'm questioning ♪
♪ I don't know the answer ♪
♪ As a child ♪
Everything's confusing
♪ No-one tells you why ♪
♪ They ask you in ♪
♪ Growing up on your own ♪
♪ They teach you things ♪
♪ It's automatic learning ♪
♪ School stays a million miles ♪
from the way you feel
♪ Don't try too hard, girl ♪
♪ You know there's a place ♪
waiting for you
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ You wake one day terrified ♪
♪ Your body bleeds ♪
There isn't any wounding
♪ It's the curse of Eve ♪
♪ What's she to do with me? ♪
♪ I could bleed to death ♪
and no-one gonna hear me scream
♪ Mother, your silence ♪
didn't help me none
♪ You were on my side ♪
Now we have to take sides
♪ You say it's a silence ♪
of sympathy
♪ Part of you did scream ♪
when I'm born
♪ You don't scream for me now ♪
♪ Mother, let down your hair ♪
♪ Tell me ♪
♪ How did it feel? ♪
MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Dream continues ♪
♪ You're a goddess now ♪
♪ A sacred thing ♪
♪ Silent as a statue ♪
♪ A voice says he loves you ♪
♪ What's behind the word? ♪
♪ "I want to buy her" ♪
♪ Well, how can I say ♪
I'm not for sale?
♪ Now there's a pressure ♪
and it's building up
♪ Building holes in you ♪
It's taking you over
♪ The body - a shooting star ♪
you can't control
♪ It's out of your hands ♪
♪ You lie there when it's over ♪
♪ Now you know ♪
their awful secret
♪ Mother, let down your hair ♪
♪ And tell me ♪
♪ How did you feel? ♪
♪ You need to love ♪
♪ But you're angry ♪
♪ He says, "Just lie still ♪
♪ "The pleasure's all mine" ♪
♪ Did you come last night ♪
or were you pretending
♪ Just to save going through ♪
the whole thing again?
♪ There's something screaming ♪
inside you
♪ Do other women rage ♪
under this crushing wave?
♪ Beside from me ♪
♪ Fling out my long witch's hat ♪
♪ Try to open your eyes ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ I'm torn in two ♪
by this confusion
♪ What have we learned ♪
with all these hurts and pain?
♪ Women loving together ♪
free and equally
♪ Find the power ♪
♪ Find our sexuality ♪
♪ Come down from the tower ♪
There's many roads outside
♪ The choice is yours ♪
Live witch or dead angel
♪ I could tell you now ♪
The struggle's never-ending
♪ There ain't one answer ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rapunzel, let down your hair ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout ♪
♪ Rewind and shout. ♪
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE