Absolute Beginners

I remember the warm, lovely summer, -

- when the teenage miracle was in full bloom, -

- and everyone in England stopped to see what had happened.

The nights in Soho were cool in the heath with lights and music in the streets, -

- and we couldn't fathom, that it finally happened to us.

Nobody knew why.

But after the many years of bombs and slow reconstruction -

- without sugar or anything sweet at all, -

- and where the whole English world was dressed in gray for an eternity, -

- suddenly such young and beautiful colors came to life again, -

- that many could not bear to look at it.

For the first time ever, young people had become teenagers.

We had money and money must be spent.

But where there is money, problems follow.

In my last year as a teenager, I made a living from photography.

Naughty pictures for money and street pictures for love.

So when the shine wore off, -

- could we remember, how it looked.

Money for style, money for movies.

But most importantly money for Suzette.

My beautiful crepe Suzette.

No pants, Ken?

Is that enough?

Good, 50 dask, but it's for both of you, right?

- Where to, girls? - Around the houses.

Where are you going?

It was England but not quite English.

All classes and types.

Boys, girls, black, white, yellow, the criminal, the versatile.

All on equal footing.

hello filth, we're having fun, aren't we?

Shall we go into town, honey?

Good boy.

You naughty boy.

Step!

Take them and step. Damn teenagers.

Sometimes a knife was drawn, but it was always between friends.

If you behave properly, you manage.

You don't get assaulted by a rapist in Soho.

It is only in the nice neighborhoods.

Then come on. I have half an hour.

Me and my friends were regular customers. Every night the same faces were seen.

Wiz, a real street kid -

- with a child's face that hid his millennia-old soul.

A colored guy who was called Cool for obvious reasons.

The amazing Hoplite. Our own cheap Oscar Wilde.

And a boy with good connections.

Dean Swift, a sharp, modern jazz creation.

With expensive habits and no money.

- Big Jill. - Hey, master, take a snap.

Big Jill is for girls only.

But she is the best friend, a boy can have.

Godfather, it's midnight.

Open the door.

You can't be late for a girl like Suzette.

Hello, honey. You almost lost me there.

Cool, honey.

Hold it here.

Mods!

Trads!

- Mods! - Trads!

Yum, crepe Suzette.

Ready to eat.

Take care, Wizard.

Dorita, can I walk you home?

There are eyes everywhere, Cool, and my parents would go crazy.

So why play up?

It's different in there than out here. I have to go home.

Come on, Suze.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

- The clock is not that many. - Some of us have to work.

I'm going to Henley's show tomorrow morning.

Why do you work for that sleazy guy? He's just taking advantage of you.

I take advantage of him too. Maybe I will come to Paris this year.

He could also help you, if you would let him do it.

You could take pictures of my models.

I don't want to take pictures of fine ladies wearing your silly hats.

Well, no, you're taking pictures for your exhibition.

- Namely. - The one you have in your wildest imagination.

Taxi ... Stop, taxi!

Out with you! You have to go to school in a few hours, you little horny piece of shit.

Now lock me in.

I have found a new customer for you.

Pop mogul Harold Charms? He can find his own cheeky postcards.

It's your last pair of shoes and you've invited me out to dinner tomorrow.

- Money is not everything. - I know that, but...

It must be enough, until everything falls into place.

Stop!

They have knives!

Don't interfere, Colin.

Let's get out of here.

Taxi!

Here she is.

I need my beauty sleep.

- Where are you going, honey? - Bayswater.

It's the last chance. See you after the show tomorrow.

And now don't be late.

Last chance.

She means it.

I don't even have a down payment.

But you don't get a girl like Suzette on installments either.

it is not because I hate money.

Only what you have to do for them. But tomorrow is a new day.

At least other Casanovas are in the same boat.

Naples, the land that time had forgotten.

We always came home together with the night shift.

Now you may be asking why I live in such a disaster area?

First, it's cheap. Rent in cash once a week.

In addition, there is a more informal exchange.

What I liked most about the place, was what others hated fiercely.

People didn't care about your background or skin color, -

what you did or with whom.

Unfortunately, it was not a desirable address in Suzette's eyes.

That's why I never brought her home.

So what?

Come now!

You owe for two months!

You cannot claim rent, before the roof is on.

- Hello, Big Jill. - How's it going?

Come on, honey.

Home.

For better or for worse.

I am often asked, how I became a court supplier.

I always answer that it is because of my wonderful clientele.

And I can only hope that our new collection wins your favor.

May I introduce Henley's new Elizabethan collection.

We set out with a selection of bathing suits with a touch of rococo -

- in aquamarine, bottle green and black -

- garnished with sky blue oysters, pearly fish, -

scallops and starfish.

They are guaranteed to sink any passing ship.

For evening wear, our mermaid creations in twilight and turquoise -

- with over 18,000 inlaid pearls from Mallorca.

And for the more daring, our latest bikini models -

- with patterns of oysters and corals.

Henley, you can't think that.

You're not going to show those dresses in Paris, are you?

You will be laughed at.

And Henley, the dresses should not be longer, but shorter.

Dido, I can't stand knee jerks. They remind me of unbaked dough.

Oh, Colin.

I said no and now I do it anyway.

A few pictures and I have for dinner. It is integrity.

You've never heard this before, Mr. Charms. It's a sure hit.

Look at all the kids trying to sing like peasants.

They hope Harry Charms will turn them into pop slaves.

But I will not throw stones. The Yankees invented the teenagers.

England is fine enough, but if you are against the Yankees, you are a loser.

I have tickets for the Stravinsky concert.

- Harry Charms. - In there.

Then stop it!

Youth is precious enough -

- and extremely disgusting in the wrong hands.

The pope's nose, a nun's breasts and a good review are useless.

- Harry Charms? - Who are you?

- My name is Colin. - Sonia, how many times ...

It's about the naughty pictures.

Naughty pictures? Where did you get that idea though?

If I may just be allowed?

It's Harry Charms Star Stable.

Everyone is a star in their own right. Sit down.

No, over here.

Buddy Britain, Childe Harolde, Zeste Boy Swift.

I discovered them myself.

And here I have at least one more, maybe two.

None of us know yet.

Come in and take a look. Quiet, everyone.

Good, stars. Such.

It's not just their talent, it's mine.

Take a look here.

Get up. No, you.

No, it won't do. Let's take a look at you.

- I am the drummer of all time. - Too many cream buns.

I name them, tame them and make them famous.

- He is very musical... - Drop it, mom.

Possibly.

Colin, I have a new song.

You have to help me make it a hit.

Not bad. He moves well.

Take a picture, Colin.

Lean forward. Good, baby.

It's a hit. I can feel it.

Bring it on, baby. Boom!

Move your hips.

Back and forth and around. Come on, baby. Boom, baby.

So sing, baby. Baby, boom.

Baby Boom, there it was!

Take a picture of Baby Boom.

Yes, yes, yes.

I'm stuck.

Stop. Stop.

Away with you!

Henley, you've been keeping something from me, you thug.

I love that style. What do you call it?

Henley, I guess that's one of yours?

You have to get paid for that.

There she is!

Henley, you are a genius!

What is the problem?

I don't think she will appreciate your presence right now.