#9: PIAF: HER STORY, HER SONGS - Part documentary, part stage performance, this entertaining look at French chanteuse Edith Piaf tells her story through a terrific theatrical presentation by singer Raquel Bitton, who literally becomes Piaf while singing, but steps back and tells her story - in English - between the mostly French songs. Archival photos of Piaf illustrate her life of lucky breaks and tragedy. Some of the film's best moments are of Bitton and friends happily discussing Piaf over food and wine at a Paris bistro.
There have been other films about Edith Piaf. There was PIAF: The Early Years (1974), directed by Guy Casaril, with Brigitte Ariel as Edith Piaf. Included is PIAF (1984), A TV film with Jane Lapotaire as Edith Piaf, also starring Jean Smart and Judith Ivey.
A stunning concert film was PIAF: Her Story, Her Songs (2003). This film featured songstress Raquel Bitton actually singing all of the Piaf songs, and doing a great rendition; so much nicer that watching an actress lip-synch. There is a good documentary too, LES HOMMES DE PIAF (2003), narrated by Charles Aznavour. For those who were paying attention we heard Edith Piaf singing on the soundtrack of Spielberg’s SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998).
La goualante du pauvre Jean
J'em fous pas mal (I shouldn't care)
T'es beau tu sais
La Noel de la rue
Mon Legionaire
Enfin le Printemps
L'accordeoniste
Le vieux piano
Bravo pour le clown
Milord
La foule (Que nadie sepa mi sufrire)
Sous le ciel de Paris
Autumn leaves
Mon Dieu
Hymne a l'amour (A hymn to love)
Elle a dit
Non, je ne regrette rien
La vie en rose (English version only)
Les Avions sont des Oiseaux