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1.1 - A Cinema In Buenos Aires, 26
July 1952
[The soundtrack op part of a 1952 movie]
[(Spanish dialogue)]
Until this moment my lips have not dared to speak of my love for you
Oh Carlos
And they shall do more than speak to you – my senses are flooded with desire
Oh Carlos
Was that a boot on your father’s gravel? If it’s that bounder Rodolphe, my sword
will not remain long unsheathed!
Be careful, Carlos!
[The film grinds to a halt. The reason is soon clear – Eva Peron, the first lady
of Argentina, wife of President Peron, has died.]
[There is an announcement from the Secretary of the press:]
It is the sad duty of the Secretary of the press to inform the people of
Argentina the Eva Peron, spiritual leader of the nation, entered immortality at
20.25 hrs today.
[Che and a few other moviegoers leave the cinema in silence.]
1.2 - Requiem For
Evita
[Eva’s funeral – majestic, a combination of the magnificent excess of Hollywood
and the Vatican. Huge crowds, much pageantry, wailing and lamentation. Che is
the only non-participant.]
[After some time Che moves away from de crowds.]
1.3 - Oh Wat A Circus
[CHE]
O what a circus! O what a show
Argentina has gone to town
Over the death of an actress called Eva Peron
We’ve all gone crazy
Mourning all day and mourning all night
Falling over ourselves to get all of the misery right
O what an exit! That’s how to go
When they’re ringing your curtain down
Demand to be buried like Eva Peron
It’s quite a sunset
And good for the country in a roundabout way
We’ve made the front page of all the world’s papers today
But who is this Santa Evita?
Why all this howling hysterical sorrow?
What kind of goddess
Has lived among us?
How will we ever
Get by without her?
She had her moments - she had some style
The best show in towns was the crowd
Outside the Casa Rosada crying “Eva Peron”
But that’s all gone now
As soon as the smoke from the funeral clears
We’re all going to see-and how! - she did nothing for years!
[CROWD]
Salve regina mater misericordiae
Vita dulcedo et spes nostra
Salve, salve regina
Ad te clamamus exules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
O clemens O pia
[CHE]
You let down your people Evita
You were supposed to have been immortal
That’s all they wanted
Not much to ask for
But in the end you
Could not deliver
Sing you fools! But you got it wrong
Enjoy your prayers because you haven’t got long
Your queen is dead, your king is through
She’s not coming back to you
Show business kept us all alive
Since 17 October 1945
But the star has gone, the glamour’s worn thin
That’s a pretty bad state for a state to be in
Instead of government we had a stage
Instead of ideas a prima donna’s rage
Instead of help we were given a crowd
She didn’t say much but she said it loud
Sing you fools! But you got it wrong
Enjoy your prayers because you haven’t got long
Your queen is dead, your king is through
She’s not coming back to you
[CROWD]
Salve regina mater misericordiae
Vita dulcedo et spes nostra
Salve, salve regina peron
Ad te clamamus exules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
O clemens O pia
[THE VOICE OF EVA]
Don’t cry for me Argentina
For I am ordinary, unimportant
And undeserving
Of such attention
Unless we all are –
I think we all are
Ride on my train O my people
And when it’s your turn do die you’ll remember
They fired those cannons
Sang lamentations
Not just for Eva
For Argentina
Not just for Eva
For everybody
So share my glory
So share my coffin
So share my glory
So share my coffin
[SHE]
It’s our funeral too
1.4 - On This Night Of
A Thousand Stars
[A nightclub in Junin, Eva’s home town. It is 1934 and Eva Duarte is fifteen.
The cabaret is nearly over. Magaldi sings the final song of his performance with
great gusto.]
[MAGALDI]
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you o heaven’s door
Where the music of love’s guitars
Plays for evermore
In the glow of those twinkling lights
We shall love through eternity
On this night in a million nights
Fly away with me!
I never dreamed that a kiss could be as sweet as this but now I know that it can
I uses to wander alone without a love of my own I was a desperate man
But all my grief disappeared and all the sorrow I’d feared wasn’t there anymore
On the magical day when you first came my way - mi amor!
On this night
On this night
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you to heaven’s door
Where the music of love’s guitars
Plays for evermore!
[Aplause, Magaldi joins Eva and her friends at their table. Che is loitering
nearby at the bar]
1.5 - Eva And Magaldi
[EVA]
It must be a dream
Agustin Magaldi
The most famous man to visit Junin…
[MAGALDI]
The audience seem
Extremely heavy going-
[CHE]
Listen chum face the fact
They don’t like your act
[MAGALDI]
But this is the sticks!
If this was Buenos Ares
I have that town at my feet
I never ever meet
Members of the public!
They’d tear me apart
[CHE]
I understand their feelings
[EVA]
I wanna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
(+FRIENDS)
I wanna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
[CHE]
Just listen to that!
They’re onto you Magaldi
I’d get out while you can
[EVA]
It’s happened at last
I’m starting to get started
I’m moving out with my man
[MAGALDI]
Now Eva don’t get carried away
[EVA]
Monotony past
Suburbia departed
Who could ever be fond of the back of beyond?
[MAGALDI]
Don’t hear words that I didn’t say
[FRIENDS]
What’s that? You desert the girl you love?
[MAGALDI]
The girl I love? Who?
[FRIENDS]
She really brightened up your out of town engagement
She gave you all she had-she wasn’t in your contract
You must be quite relieved that no-one’s told the paper-so far
[EVA]
I wanna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
Would I have done what I did
If I hadn’t tought-if I hadn’t know
We would stay together?
[CHE]
Seems to me there’s no point in resisting
She’s made up her mind, you’ve no choice
Why don’t you be the man who discovered her?
You’ll never be remembered for your voice
[MAGALDI]
The city can be paradise for those who have the cash,
The class and the connections-what you need to make a splash
The likes of you get swept up in the morning with the trash
If you were rich or middle class -
[EVA]
Screw the middle class!
I will never accept them
And they will never deny me anything again
My father’s other family were middle class
And we were kept out of sight, hidden from view at his funeral!
If these are the people of Buenos Aires
I welcome the chance to shine in their city
And to trample their rotten values into the ground
[CHE]
Do all your one night stands give you this trouble?
1.6 - Eva Beware of
the City
[MAGALDI]
Eva, beware of the city
It’s hungry and cold, can’t be controlled-it is mad
Those who are fools are swallowed up whole
And those who are not become
What they should no become
Changed-in short they go bad
[EVA]
Bad is good for me I’m bored so clean and so ignored
I’ve been predictable-respectable!
Bird fly out of here so why
Oh why oh why the hell can’t I?
I only wanna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
(+FRIENDS)
I wanna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
[MAGALDI]
Five years form now I shall come back
And finally say, you have your way, come to town
But you’ll look at me with a foreigner’s eyes
The magical city, a
Younger girl’s city, a
Fantasy long since put down
[EVA]
All you’ve done to me-was that a young girl’s fantasy?
I played your city games alright-didn’t I?
I already know what cooks-how the dirty city feels and looks
I tasted it last night-didn’t I?
I’m gonna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
(+FRIENDS)
I’m gonna be a part of BA
Buenos Aires-Big Apple!
[MAGALDI]
Eva beware your ambition
It’s hungry and cold - can’t be controlled, will run wild
This in a man is danger enough
But you are a woman, not
Even a woman, not
Very much more than a child and whatever you say
I’ll not steal you away!
1.7 - Buenos Aires
[Eva and Magaldi arrive in Buenos Aires]
[EVA]
What’s new? Buenos Aires
I’m new-I wanna say I’m just a little stuck on you
You’ll be on me too!
I get out here, Buenos Aires
Stand back-you oughta know what’cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of star quality!
Fill me up with your heat with your noise with your dirt overdo me
Let me dance to your beat make it loud let it hurt run it through me
Don’t hold back you are certain to impress
Tell the driver this is where I’m staying
Hello Buenos Aires
Get this - just look at me, dressed up somewhere to go
We’ll put on a show!
Take me in at your flood give me speed give me lights set me humming
Shoot me up with your blood wine me up with your nights watch me coming
All I want is a whole lot of excess
Tell the singer this is where I’m playing
Stand back Buenos Aires
Because you oughta know what’cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of star quality!
And if ever I go too far
It’s because of the things you are
Beautiful town-I love you
And if I need a moment’s rest
Give your lover the very best
Real eiderdown-and silence
You’re a tramp you’re a treat you will shine to the death your are shoddy
But you’re flesh you are meat you shall have every breath in my body
Put me down for a lifetime of success
Give me credit - I’ll find ways of paying
Rio de La Plata! Florida! Corrientes! Neuve de Julio !
All I want to know
Stand back Buenos Aires
Because you oughta know what’cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of star quality!
1.8 - Goodnight And
Thank You
[CHE][to Magaldi who has been a mere spectator during the Buenos Aires song]
Goodnight and thank you Magaldi
You’ve completed your task what more could we ask of you now
Please sign the book on your way out the door
And that will be all
If we need you we’ll call
But I don’t think that’s likely somehow
[EVA]
Oh but it’s sad when a love affair dies
But we have pretended enough
It’s best that we part, stop fooling ourselves
[CHE]
Which means get stuffed
[PHOTOGRAPHERS]
Having arrived it matter to be
Photographed, noticed continually
[Eva is besieged by the photographers under the guidance of a pr man who is
obviously personally involved with Eva]
[CHE][to pr man]
Goodnight and thank you whoever
She’s in all the magazines, she wouldn’t have been on her own
We don’t like to rush but your case has been packed
If we’ve missed anything you could give us a ring
But we don’t always answer the phone
[EVA]
Oh but it’s sad when a love affair dies
But when we were hot we were hot
I know you’ll look back on the good times we’ve shared
[CHE]
But Eva will not
[CHE and EVA]
There is no one, no one at all
Never has been and never will be a lover
Male or female
Who hasn’t an eye on
In fact they rely on
Tricks they can try on their partner
They’re hoping their lover will help them or keep them
Support them promote them
Don’t blame them
You’re the same
[BROADCASTERS]
Now you are recognized, visually know
You need to move to the microphone
[Eva is besieged by the broadcasters under the guidance of one radio man who is
obviously personally involved with Eva]
[CHE] [to radio man]
Goodnight and thank you whoever
We’re grateful you found her spot on the sound radio
We’ll think of you every time she’s on the air
We’d love you to stay
But you’d be in the way
So put on your trousers and go
[EVA]
Oh but it’s sad when a love affair dies
The decline into silence and doubt
Our passion was just too intense to survive
[CHE]
For God’s sake get out!
[POTOGRAPHERS & BROADCASTERS]
Fame on the wireless as far as it goes
It all very well but every girl knows
She needs a man she can monopolize
With fingers in dozen of different pies…
[Colonel Peron appears. He is with his extremely young mistress]
[REJECTED LOVERS]
Oh but it’s sad when a love affair dies
[Eva makes a move towards Peron, but he and his girl are gone before she can
attract his attention.]
2.1 - The Lady’s Got
Potential
[CHE]
The lady’s got potential, she ought to go far
She always knows exactly who her best friends are
The greatest social climber since Cinderella
But Eva’s not the only one who’s getting the breaks
I’m s research chemist who’s got what it takes
And my insecticide’s gonna be a best-seller
[Che brandishes a large bicycle pump type insecticide sprayer, and is joined by
a shrill and enthusiastic trio of girls for his fly-killing choruses]
Just one blast and insects fall like flies!
Kapow! Die!
They don’t have a chance
In the fly-killing world
It’s a major advance
In my world
It’ll mean finance
I’m shaping up successful capitalist-wise
But getting back to Eva she just saw those guys
As steps on the ladder to the ultimate prize
And he goes by the name of Colonel Peron
He began his career in the army overseas
Teaching all the other soldiers all he knew about skis
When others took a tumble he would always stay on
Sure Peron could ski but who needs a snowman?
He said:
[PERON]
Great men
Don’t grow on trees
I’m one
I ain’t gonna freeze
Dictators
Don’t grow on skis
[CHE]
Peron would be no number two to no man
He’d married in the meantime but the poor girl died
Imagine if she hadn’t we’d have been denied
The heart-warming tear-jerking rise to fame of Eva
Now, my insecticide contains no dangerous drugs
It can’t harm humans but it’s curtains for bugs
If you’ve got six legs I ain’t doing you no favour
Just one blast and insects fall like flies!
Kapow! Die!
They don’t have a chance
In the fly-killing world
It’s a major advance
In my world
It’ll mean finance
I’m shaping up successful capitalist-wise
Kapow! Die!
They don’t have a chance
In the fly-killing world
It’s a major advance
In my world
It’ll mean finance
I’m shaping up successful capitalist-wise
Oh yes-Peron he joined a faction called the G.O.U
[PERON and OFFICERS]
G-Government
O-Order
U-Unity
[CHE]
And they were the gang behind a military coup
So Peron was a heartbeat away from control of the nation
They thought that Hitler had the war as good as won
They were slightly to the right of Atilla the Hun
And Eva set her sights on Peron-and his situation
And Eva set her sights on Peron-and his situation
[PERON and OFFICERS]
The G.O.U. is a three-pronged operation
Government-unopposed and allied
With Order-ruthlessly applied
And Unity-those not on our side
Are subject to the process of elimination
2.2 - Charity Concert
[A concert held in Buenos Aires in 1944 in aid of the victims of the earthquake
in the Argentine town of San Juan. Eva, by now a successful actress, and Peron,
by now a successful politician, are both present. Eva’s old friend Magaldi is
once again finishing]
[MAGALDI]
On this night
On this night
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you to heaven’s door
Where the music of love’s guitars
Plays for evermore!
[Good applause. Peron leaps onto the stage]
[PERON]
Tonight I’m proud to be the people’s spokesman
You’ve given help to those who’ve lost their homes
But more than that conclusively shown
That the people should run their affairs on their own
Make sure your leaders understand the people!
[The crowd begin to chant “Peron, Peron”. Peron leaves the stage with the sound
of his own name ringing in his ears.]
2.3 - I’d Be
Surprisingly Good For You
[EVA]
Colonel Peron?
[PERON]
Eva Duarte?
[EVA & PERON]
I’ve heard so much about you!
[EVA] [PERON]
I’m amazed! For I’m only I’m amazed! For I’m
an actress only a soldier
Nothing to shout about One of the thousands
Simply a girl on the boards Defending the country he loves
But when you act
The things you do affect us all
[PERON]
But when you act, you take us away from the squalor of the real world
Are you here on your own?
[EVA]
Yes. Oh yes
[PERON]
So am I
What a fortunate coincidence
Maybe you’re my reward for my efforts here tonight
[EVA]
It seems crazy but you must believe
There’s nothing calculated, nothing planned
Please forgive me if I seem naïve
I would never want to force your hand
But please understand
I’d be good for you
I don’t always rush in like this
Twenty seconds after saying hello
Telling strangers I’m too good to miss
If I’m wrong I hope you’ll tell me so
But you really should know
I’d be good for you
I’d be surprisingly good for you
I won’t go on if I’m boring you
But do you understand my point of view?
Do you like what you hear, what you see and would you be
Good for me too?
I’m not talking of a hurried night
A frantic tumble then a shy goodbye
Creeping home before it gets too light
That’s not the reason that I caught your eye
Which has to imply
I’d be good for you
I’d be surprisingly good for you
[PERON]
Please go on-you enthral me!
I can understand you perfectly
And I like what I hear, what I see, and knowing me
I would be good for you too
[EVA]
I’m not talking of a hurried night
A frantic tumble then a shy goodbye
Creeping home before it gets too light
That’s not the reason that I caught your eye
Which has to imply
I’d be good for you
I’d be surprisingly good for you
[EVA and PERON][but neither seems aware that the other is singing]
There is no one, no one at all
Never has been and never will be a lover, male or female
Who hasn’t an eye on
In fact they rely on
Tricks they can try on their partner
They’re hoping their lover will help them or keep them
Support them, promote them
Don’t blame them, you’re the same
[Eva and Peron leave together]
2.4 - Another Suitcase
In Another Hall
[Peron’s flat. Eva burst in to throw Perons’s 16-year-old mistress out.]
[EVA][almost affectionately]
Hello and goodbye!
I’ve just unemployed you
You can go back to school
You had a good run
I’m sure he enjoyed you
Don’t act sad or surprised
Let’s be friend, civilized
Come on little on!
Don’t stand there like a dummy!
The day you knew would arrive
Is here - you’ll survive
So move, funny face!
I like your conversation - you’ve catchy turn of phrase
You’re obviously going through some adolescent phase
Maybe you’ve got something more than just a pretty face
Maybe not-
[Eva has by now bustled the mistress out]
[Outside in the hall:]
[MISTRESS]
I don’t expect my love affairs to last for long
Never fool myself that my dreams will come true
Being used to trouble I anticipate it
But all the same I hate it - wouldn’t you
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Another suitcase in another hall
[MISTRESS]
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Take your picture off another wall
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
[CHE + CHORUS]
You’ll get by you always have before
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
Time and time again I’ve said that I don’t care
That I’m immune to gloom that I’m hard through and through
But every time it matters all my words desert me
So anyone can hurt me - and they do
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Another suitcase in another hall
[MISTRESS]
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Take your picture off another wall
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
[CHE + CHORUS]
You’ll get by you always have before
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
Call in three months’ time and I’ll be fine I know
Well maybe not that fine but I’ll survive anyhow
I won’t recall the names and places of this sad occasion
But that’s no consolation here and now
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Another suitcase in another hall
[MISTRESS]
So what happens now?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Take your picture off another wall
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
[CHE + CHORUS]
You’ll get by you always have before
[MISTRESS]
Where am I going to?
[CHE + CHORUS]
Don’t ask anymore
2.5 - Dangerous Jade
[Two factions of Argentine society that were never to accept Eva were the
military and the aristocracy]
[ARMY]
The ma is a fool-breaking every taboo
Installing the girl in the Army H.Q.
And she’s an actress! The last straw
Her only good parts are between her thighs
She should stare at the ceiling not reach for the skies
Or she could be his last whore
The evidence suggests
She has other interests
If it’s her who’s using him
He’s exceptionally dim
Bitch!
Dangerous Jade!
[ARISTOCRATS]
We have allowed ourselves to slip
We have completely lost our grip
We have declined to an all-time low
Tarts have become the set to know
[ARMY]
It’s no crime for officers to do as they please
As long as they’re discreet and keep clear of disease
We ignore, we disregard
But once they allow a bitch on the side
To move to the centre where she’s not qualified
We should all be on our guard
She should get into her head
She should not get out of bed
She should know that she’s not paid
To be loud but to be laid
Slut!
Dangerous Jade!
[CHE][in the guise of a reporter]
This has really been your year Miss Duarte
Tell us where you go from her Miss Duarte
Which are the roles that you yearn to play
Whom did you dine with yesterday?
[EVA][the glamorous movie star, protected by two Heavies]
Acting is limiting, the lines not mine
That’s no help to the Argentine
[CHE]
Can we assume then that you’ll quit?
Is this because of your involvement with Colonel Peron?
[HEAVIES][pushing Che aside and Eva out]
Goodnight and thank you
[ARMY]
She won’t be kept happy by her nights on the tiles
She says it’s his body but she’s after his files
So get back onto the street!
She should get into her head
She should not get out of bed
She should know that she’s not paid
To be loud but to be laid
The evidence suggests
She has other interests
If it’s her who’s using him
He’s exceptionally dim
[CHE][producing his fly-spray again]
To see an underdog succeed
Is the encouragement I need
Opportunity is back!
If she can make it by her efforts in the sack
Then a man who offers more -
Me! Will have the world beat a pathway to his door
[ARISTOCRATS]
Things have reached a pretty pass
When someone pretty lower class
Graceless and vulgar, uninspired
Can be accepted and admired
2.6 - A New Argentina
[1945. No secure leader has emerged from the group of officers who seized power
in 1943. Peron has the support of the workers and because of this the stronges
movement within the military hierarchy is an anti-Peron feeling rather than one
pro-anybody else.]
[PERON]
Dice are rolling, the knives are our
I see every bad sign in the book
And as far as they can-overweight to a man!
They have that lean and hungry look
[EVA]
It doesn’t matter what those morons say
Our nation’s leaders are a feeble crew
There’s only twenty of them anyway
What is twenty next to millions who
Are looking to you?
All you have to do is sit and wait
Keeping out of everybody’s way
We’ll-
You’ll be handed power on a plate
When the ones who matter have their say
And with chaos installed
You can reluctantly agree to be called
[PERON]
There again we could be foolish
Not to quit while we’re ahead
For distance lends enchantment
And that is why
All exiles are distinguished
More important, they’re not dead
I could find job satisfaction in Paraguay
[WORKERS’ VOICES]
Peron! Peron!
[EVA]
This is crazy defeatist talk
Why commit political suicide?
There’s no risk there’s no call for any action at all
When you have unions on your side
[DOLAN GETTA][a union leader]
A new Argentina
The chains of the masses untied!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people
Cannot be denied!
[EVA]
There is only one man who can lead any workers’ regime
He lives for your problems, he shared your ideals and your dream
He supports you for he love you
Understands you, is one of you
If not - how could he love me?
[GETTA+ MOB]
A new Argentina!
The old one has gone sadly wrong
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people
Rings out loud and long!
[EVA]
Now I am a worker I’ve suffered the way that you do
I’ve been unemployed and I’ve starved and I hated it too
But I found my salvation
In Peron - may the nation
Let him save them as he saved me
[GETTA+ MOB]
A new Argentina!
[CHE]
They’ll all go along for the ride
The same old clichés
But let them have their freedom -
The free buy insecticide!
[GETTA’S SIDEKICK]
Nationalization of the industries
That the foreigners control
Participation in the profits that we make
Shorter hours, higher wages
Votes for women, lager dole
More public spending, a bigger slice of every cake
[PERON]
It’s annoying that we have to
Fight elections for our cause
The inconvenience - having to get a majority
If normal methods of persuasion
Fail to win us applause
There are other ways of establishing authority
[SECRET POLICE]
We have ways of making you vote for us, or at least of making you abstain
[EVA]
Peron has resigned from the army and this we avow
The descamisados are those he is marching with now!
He supports you for he love you
Understand you - is one of you
If not - how could he love me?
[GETTA+MOB+EVA+PERON+POLICE]
A new Argentina!
The chains of the masses untied!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people
Cannot be
And will not be
And must not be
Denied!
[PERRON]
There again I could be foolish
Not to quit while I’m ahead…
I can see me many miles away
Inactive
Sipping cocktails on a terrace
Taking breakfast in bed
Sleeping easy, doing crosswords
It’s attractive
[EVA]
Don’t think I don’t thing like you, often get those nightmares too
They always take some swallowing
Sometimes it’s very difficult to keep momentum if it’s you that you are
following
Don’t close doors
Keep an escape clause
Because we might lose
The Big Apple
But -
Would I have done what I did
If I hadn’t thought
If I hadn’t known
We would take the country?
|
3.1 - On The Balcony
Of The Case Rosada
[Peron has just won a sweeping victory in the 1946 presidential election. This
is the first public appearance by Peron and Eva since Peron’s triumph. Action
takes place both inside and outside the balcony of the Casa Rosada (the Pink
Palace)]
[ANNOUNCER]
People of Argentina! Your newly elected president-Juan Peron!
[CROWD]
Peron! Peron!
[PERON][appears on the balcony]
Argentinos! Argentinos!
We are all leaders now!
Fighting against our common enemies
Poverty
Social injustice
Foreign domination of our industries
Reaching for our common goals
Our independence
Our dignity
Our pride
Let the world know that our great nation is awakening
And that its heart
Beats in the jumble bodies
Of Juan Peron - and
His wife, the first lady of Argentina, Eva Duarte de Peron!
[CROWD]
Peron! Peron!
[CHE][in crowd]
As a mere observer of this tasteless phenomenon
One has to admire the stage management
[HEAVIES move in on CHE]
There again perhaps I’m more than a mere observer
Listen to my enthusiasm gentlemen
Peron! Peron!
[the crowd begin to call for Eva – ‘Evita, Evita’]
3.2 - Don’t Cry For Me
Argentina
[EVA][appears on the balcony]
It won’t be easy, you’ll think it strange
When I try to explain how I feel
That I still need your love after all that I’ve done
You won’t believe me
All you will see is a girl you once knew
Although she’s dressed up to the nines
At sixes and sevens with you
I had to let it happen; I had to change
Couldn’t stay all my life down at heel
Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun
So I chose freedom
Running around trying everything new
But nothing impressed met at all
I never expected it to
Don’t cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don’t keep your distance
And as for fortune, and as for fame
I never invited them in
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired
They are illusion
They’re not the solutions they promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you and hope you love me
Don’t cry for me Argentina -
[Eva breaks down; the Crowd take up her tune]
[EVA]
Don’t cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don’t keep your distance
Have I said too much? There’s nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true
3.3 - Inside The
Balcony Casa Rosada
Just listen to that!
The voice of Argentina!
We are adored! We are loved!
[OFFICER]
Statesmanship is more than entertaining peasants
[EVA]
We shall see, little man
[CROWD]
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
…..
[Eva goes back onto the balcony]
[EVA]
I am only a simple woman who lives to serve Peron in his noble crusade to rescue
his people!
I was once as you are now!
I have taken these riches form the oligarchs only for you - for all of you!
One day you will inherit these treasures!
Descamisado! When they fire those cannons, when the crowds sing of glory, it is
not just for Peron, but for all of us! All of us!
[Eva goes back inside]
[ARISTOCRATS]
Things have reached a pretty pass
When someone pretty lower class
Can be respected and admired -
[EVA]
But your despicable class is dead!
Look who they are calling for now!
3.4 - High Flying,
Adored
[CHE]
High flying, adored, so young, the instant queen, a
Rich beautiful thing of all the talents, a cross between a
Fantasy of the bedroom and a saint
And you were just a backstreet girl
Hustling and fighting
Scratching and biting
High flying, adored, did you believe in your wildest moments
All this would be yours, that you’d become the lady of them all?
Were there stars in your eyes when you crawled in at night?
From the bars, from the sidewalks
From the gutter theatrical?
Don’t look down, it’s a long long way to fall
High flying, adored, what happens now?
Where do you go from here?
For someone on top of the world the view’s not exactly clear
A shame you did it all at twenty-six
There are no mysteries now
Nothing can thrill you
No one fulfil you
High flying, adored, I hope you come to terms with boredom
So famous, so easily, so soon, is not the wisest thing to be
You won’t care if they love you it’s been done before
You’ll despair if they hate you
You’ll be drained of all energy
All the young who’ve made it would agree
[EVA]
High flying, adored, I’ve been called names but they’re the strangest
My story’s quite usual - local girl makes good, wed famous man
I was slap in the right place at the perfect time
Filled a gap - I was lucky
But one thing I’ll say for me
No one else can fill it like I can
3.5 - Rainbow High
[EVA]
I don’t really think I need the reasons why I won’t succeed - I have done!
Let’s get this show on the road
Let’s make it obvious
Peron is off and rolling
[HAIRDRESSERS, BEAUTY CONSULTANTS, FASHION DESIGNERS]
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style!
Movement! Hands! Magic! Rings! Glamour! Face!
Diamonds! Excitement! Image!
[EVA]
I came from the people
They need to adore me
So Christian Dior me
From my head to my toes
I need to be dazzling
I want to be rainbow high!
They must have excitement
And so must I
[HAIRDRESSERS, BEAUTY CONSULTANTS, FASHION DESIGNERS]
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style! Image!
[EVA]
I’m their product!
It’s vital you sell me
So Machiavell-me
Make an Argentine Rose!
I need to be thrilling
And I shall be rainbow high
They need their escape
An so do I
[HAIRDRESSERS, BEAUTY CONSULTANTS, FASHION DESIGNERS]
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style!
Movement! Hands! Magic! Rings! Glamour! Face!
Diamants! Excitement! Image!
[EVA]
All my descamisados expect me to outshine the enemy-the aristocracy
I won’t disappoint them
I’m their saviour
That’s what they call me
So Lauren Bacall me
Anything goes
To make me fantastic
I have to be rainbow high
In magical colours
You’re not decorating a girl for a night on the town!
And I’m not a second rate queen getting kicks with a crown!
Next stop will be Europe!
The Rainbow’s gonna tour
Dressed up, somewhere to go - we’ll put on a show!
Look out mighty Europe!
Because - you oughta know what’cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of
Argentina’s brand of
Star quality!
3.6 - Rainbow Tour
[PERON]
People of Europe! I send you the Rainbow of Argentina!
[OFFICER No 1]
Spain has fallen to the charms of Evita
She can do what she likes it doesn’t matter much
She’s a new world Madonna with the golden touch
She filled a bullring - forty-five thousand seater
But if you’re prettier than General Franco
That’s not hard
[OFFICERS Nos. 1&2]
Franco’s reign in Spain should see out the forties
So you’ve just acquired an ally who
Looks as secure in his job as you
[OFFICER No 1]
More important, current political thought is
Your wife’s a phenomenal asset
Your trump card
[ALL (Including Peron and Che]
Let’s hear if for the Rainbow tour
It’s been an incredible success
We weren’t quite sure, we had a few doubts
[OFFICER No 2]
Would Evita win through?
[ALL]
But the answer is – yes!
[EVA]
There you are I told you so
Makes no difference where we go
The whole world over – just the same
You should have heard them call our name
And who would underestimate the actress now?
[PERON]
I’m not underestimating you – just do de same thing in Italy please
[OFFICER No 2]
I don’t like to spoil a wonderful story
But the news from Rome isn’t quite as good
She hasn’t gone down like we thought she would
[OFFICERS Nos. 1&2]
Italy’s unconvinced by Argentine glory
[OFFICER No 2]
They equate Peron with Mussolini
Can’t think why
[EVA]
Did you hear that?
They called me a whore?
They actually called me a whore!
[EVA’S ITALIAN ESCORT, an Ex-Admiral]
But Signora Peron
It’s an easy mistake – I’ve had that trouble too
I’m still called an admiral
Yet I gave up the sea long ago
[OFFICER No 1]
Things aren’t all that bad she met the Pope
She got a Papal decoration and a kindly word
[OFFICERS Nos. 1&2]
So even if the crowds gave our lady the bird
The Argentine-Italy axis does have some hope
[OFFICER No 3]
She still made a fabulous impact
Caught the eye
[ALL (Including Peron and Che)]
Let’s hear it for the Rainbow Tour
It’s been an incredible success
We weren’t quit sure, we had a few doubts
[OFFICER No 1]
Would Evita win through?
[ALL]
But the answer is –
[SHE]
A qualified –
[ALL]
Yes!
[OFFICER No 4]
Eva started well, no question, in France
Shining like the sun through the post-ware haze
A beautiful reminder of the carefree days
She nearly captured the French, she sure had the chance
But she suddenly seemed to lose interest
She looked tired
(There a buzz of interest at this information – ‘tired?”
[CHE]
Face the facts, the Rainbow started to fade
I don’t think she’ll make it to England now
[PERON]
I wasn’t on the schedule anyhow
[CHE]
You’d better get out the flags and fix a parade
Some kind of coming home in triumph is required
[ALL (Including Peron but not Che)(Sung bravely but with less conviction than
before)]
Let’s hear it for the Rainbow Tour
It’s been an incredible success
We weren’t quit sure, we had a few doubts
[OFFICER No 5]
Would Evita win through?
[ALL]
And the answer is –
Yes and no and yes and no and yes and no …
Let’s hear it for the Rainbow tour
It’s been…
(But this time the chorus never gets going properly, and eventually fades out)
3.7 - The Actress
Hasn’t Learned (The lines You’d Like To Hear)
[ARISTOCRACY]
Thus all fairy stories end
Only an actress would pretend
Affairs of state are her latest play
Eight shows a week – two matinees
My how the worm begins to turn
When will the chorus girl ever learn?
My how the worm begins to turn
When will the chorus girl begin to learn?
[EVA]
The chorus girl hasn’t learned the lines you’d like to hear
She won’t go scrambling over the backs of the poor to be accepted
By making donation – just large enough – to the correct charity
She won’t be president of your wonderful societies of philanthropy
Even if you asked her to be
As you should have asked her to be
The actress hasn’t learned the lines you’d like to hear
She won’t join your clubs
She won’t dance in your halls
She won’t help the hungry once a month at your tombolas
She’ll simply take control as
You disappear
[SHE]
Forgive my intrusion but here is this neat little can
I have a product to change your conception of man
A brand new insecticide, a remarkable chemical feat
Instantly rendering other insecticides obsolete
[EVA]
Licensing slaughter of insects is hardly my mission
[EVA’s STAFF]
Goodnight and thank you whoever
We’ve no time for you, but one thing we do
Emphasize
It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good
The news may be bad
For one Argentine lad
But it’s good news for Argentine flies
[Che is ignominiously bundled out by Eva’s Staff]
3.8 - And The Money
Kept Rolling In (And Out)
[THE MANAGER OF THE FOUNDATION EVA PERON (+Workers on choruses)]
And the money kept rolling in from every side
Eva’s pretty hands reached out and they reached wide
Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause
But that’s not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in you don’t ask how
Think of all the people gonna see some good times now
Eva’s called the hungry to her – open up the doors’
Never been a fund like the Foundation Eva Peron!
Rolling rolling rolling
Rolling on in
And de money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak, to de destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that’s not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don’t keep books
You can tell you’ve done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron!
Rolling rolling rolling
Rolling on in
When the money keeps rolling out you don’t keep books
You can tell you’ve done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron!
Rolling rolling rolling
4.1 - Santa Evita
[CHILDREN]
Please, gentle Eva
Will you bless a little child?
For I love you
Tell Heaven I’m doing my best
I’m praying for you
Just as you pray for all the rest
Please mother Eva
Will you look upon me as your own?
Make me special
Be my angel
Be my everything wonderful perfect and true
And I’ll try to be exactly like you
Please holy Eva
Will you feed a hungry child?
For I love you
Tell heaven I’m doing my best…
[CHE]
Get them wile they’re young Evita, get them wile they’re young!
[CHILDREN]
I’m praying for you
Just as you pray for all the rest
[WORKERS]
Santa Santa Evita
Madre de todos los ninos
De los tiranizados
De los descamisados
De los trabajadores
De la Argentina
(This chorus is repeated and fades gradually away)
[CHE]
Why try to govern a country when you can become a saint?
4.2 - Waltz For Eva
And Che
[CHE]
Tell me before I waltz out of your life
Before turning my back on the past
Forgive me impertinent behaviour
But how long do you think this pantomime can last?
Tell me before I ride off in the sunset
There’s one thing I never got clear
How can you claim you’re our saviour
When those who oppose you
Are stepped on or cut up or simply disappear?
[EVA]
Tell me before you get onto your bus
Before joining the forgotten brigade
How can one person like me, say
Alter the time-honoured way the game is played?
Tell me before you get onto your high horse
Just what you expect me to do
I don’t care what the bourgeoisie say
I’m not in business for them but to give all my descamisados
A magical moment or two
There is evil
Ever around, fundamental
System of government quite incidental
So why go bananas
Chasing Nirvanas
And failing?
Better to do
What you can for a few
Than to lie – much
Plainer sailing
[CHE]
Tell me before I seek worthier pastures
And thereby restore self-esteem
How can you be so short-sighted
To look never further than this week or next week
To have no impossible dream?
[EVA]
Allow me before you slink off to the sidelines
To mark your adieu with three cheers
And to ask you just who’d be delighted
To know that I’ll tackle
The world’s greatest problems
From war to pollution
No hope of solution
Even if I live for one hundred years?
There is evil
Ever around, fundamental
System of government quite incidental
So go if you’re able
To somewhere unstable
And stay there
Whip up your hate
In some tottering state
But not here dear
Is that clear, dear?
Oh what I’d give for that hundred years!
But the physical interferes
Every day move – oh my Creator!
What is the good of the strongest heart
In a body that’s falling apart?
A serious flaw
I hope You know that…
[CHE]
I always thought my country right or wrong
I used to say hey here’s where I belong
But that’s a joke
I might as well have been
As loyal to
El Salvador, Afghanistan, the South of France, Japan, Hong Kong!
Oh my insecticide!
4.3 - She Is A Diamond
[OFFICERS]
It’s all very well – to a certain extent
For the lady at the side of the president
To show an interest – in affairs
But let’s no be blind to the drift of events
She’s eclipsing the strength of the government
She should return to – below stairs
She will never win our hearts
She’s a woman for a start
She holds no elected post
She’s an ornament at most
[PERON]
But on the other hand, she’s all they have
She’s a diamond in their dull grey lives, and that’s the
Hardest kind of stone – it usually survives
And when you think about it, can you recall
The last time they loved anyone at all?
She’s not a bauble you can brush aside
She’s been out doing what we just talked about, example:
Gave us back our businesses, got the English out
And if you think about it – well why not do
One or two of the things we promised to?
But on the other hand, she’s slowing down
She’s lost a little of that magic drive – but I would
Not advice those critics present do derive
Any satisfaction from her fading star
She’s the one who’s kept us where we are
[OFFICERS]
She’s the one who’s kept you where you are
4.4 - Dice Are Rolling
[PERON]
Dice are rolling, the knives are out
Would-be presidents are all around
I don’t say they mean harm but they’d each give an arm
To see us six feet underground
[EVA]
But we still have the magic we’ve always had!
The descamisados still worship me
We arrived thanks to them an no one else!
No thanks to your generals – a clutch of stuffed cuckoos!
[PERON]
It’s not a question of a big parade
Proving we’re big with the mobs on the street
Our problems are closer than that
They’re along the corridor
[EVA]
you’re wrong – the people – my people –
[PERON]
The people belong to no one!
They are fickle, can be manipulated
Controllable, changeable
In the end the people don’t matter – however much they love you now
It matters more that as far as my stuffed cuckoos are concerned
You don’t officially or politically exist!
[EVA]
So I don’t exist!
So I count for nothing!
Try saying that on the street
When all over the world
I am Argentina!
Most of your generals wouldn’t even be recognized by their own mothers!
But they’ll admit I exist when I become vice-president
[PERON]
That won’t work…
We’ve been through all of this before
They’d fight any attempt to make you vice-president tooth and nail
You’d never overcome that sort of opposition with a hundred rallies
And even if you did –
[EVA]
Yes?
[PERON]
Your little body’s slow breaking down
You’re losing speed, you’re losing strength – not style, that goes on
Flourishing forever, but your eyes, your smile
Do not have the sparkle of your fantastic past
If you climb one more mountain it could be your last
[EVA]
I’m not that ill
Bad moments come but they go
Some days are fine some a little bit harder
But I’m no has been
It’s the same old routine
Have you ever seen
Me defeated?
Don’t you forget what I’ve been through and yet
I’m still standing –
And if I am ill – it could even be to your advantage!
[PERON]
This is not a case of sympathetic word in the gossip column
Because you’ve got a cold!
I’m trying to point out that you might die!
This talk of death is chilling, an assault –
Upon ourselves and it will be our fault
It we allow
These morbid septic thoughts
To rule us now
To bring our reason clattering to a halt
I do not need a final sacrifice
Just let me know of any sane device
To shift your strength, your undisputed powers
To places where you mighty deeds
Your golden words
Have not so far cut too much ice
[EVA]
Then I must now be vice-president!
4.5 - Eva’s Sonnet
Those shallow mean pretenders to your throne
Will come to learn ours is the upper hand
For I don not accept this is not known
In rich established parcels of our land
To face the storms so long and not capsize
Is not the chance achievement of a fraud
Conservatives are kings of compromise
It hurts them more to jeer than to applaud
And I shall have my people come to choose
The couple who shall wear their country’s crowns
In thousands in my squares and avenues
Emptying their villages and towns
Where every soul in home or shack or stall
Knows me as Argentina – that is all
O I shall be a great vice-president!
This is not a gambler’s final throw
Forced upon me by those bastards who’ve
Only longed to see me up and go
It’s not an unprepared or panicked move
Which just goes to prove
I’d be good for you
Eva vice-president is good for you
4.6 - Eva’s Final
Broadcast
[OFFICERS]
That was the over the top unacceptable suggestion
We didn’t approve but we couldn’t prevent
The games of the wife of the president
But to give her pretensions encouragement!
She’s out of her depth and it’s out of the question
[SHE]
Forgive my intrusion Evita I just have to see
How you admit you have lost – a brand new experience!
– we
Got it set up!
We fixed you a broadcast
And you’re so good on the air!
[EVA]
The actress hasn’t learned the lines you’d like to hear
How could she feel defeated by such cringing mediocrities?
She’s sad for her country
Sad to be defeated by her own weak body
She’s sad for her people
She hopes they will know she did not betray them
(A microphone is switched on. Eva is now on the air)
I want to tell the people of Argentina
I’ve decided I should decline
All the honours and titles you’ve pressed me to take
For I’m contented –
Let me simply go on
As the woman who brings her people to the heart of Peron!
Don’t cry for me Argentina
For the truth is I shall not leave you
Though it may get harder
For you to see me
I’m Argentina
And always will be
Have I said too much? There’s nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true
4.7 - Montage
[In her last hours, images, people and events from her live flow through Eva’s
mind, while the nation’s grief knows no bound – to the mass of the people she
has become a saint, nothing less]
[EVA hears fragments from
CHE – “She had her moments….”
MAGALDI – “Eva beware your ambition…”
GETTA/WORKERS – “A new Argentina…”
AN OFFICER – “Statesmanship is more…”
FUND MANAGER – “Accountants only slow things down…”
The Waltz
While choirs sing her praises]
[PERON]
High flying, adored, so young, the instant queen, a
Rich beautiful thing of all the talents, a cross between a
Fantasy of the bedroom and a saint
And you were just a backstreet girl
Hustling and fighting
Scratching and biting
High flying, adored, did you believe in your wildest moments
All this would be yours, that you’d become the lady of them all?
Were there stars…
4.8 - Lament
[EVA]
The choice was mine and mine completely
I could have any prize that I desired
I could burn with the splendour of the brightest fire
Or else – or else I could choose time
Remember I was very young then
And a year was forever and a day
So what use could fifty, sixty, seventy be?
I saw the lights and I was on my way
And how I lived! How they shone!
But how soon the lights were gone!
The choice was mine and no one else’s
I could have the millions at my feet
Give my life to people I might never meet
Or else to children of my own
Remember I was very young then
Thought I needed the numbers on my side
Thought the more that loved me the more loved I’d be
But such things cannot be multiplied
Oh my daughter! Oh my son!
Understand what I have done!
[The moment Eva dies, embalmers move in to preserve her fragile body]
[EMBALMERS]
Eyes, hair, face, image
All must be preserved
Still life displayed forever
No less than she deserved
Preserved
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