Original subtitles

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-[epic music] -[crowd cheering]

[female reporter] Well, people are arriving now for the world premiere

of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. [inhales deeply]

All the stars have flown in especially this afternoon,

and we've got some true Harry Potter fans

-just behind me. -[crowd cheering]

And who are you most looking forward to seeing here today?

[boy] J. K. Rowling.

Well, as you can see, with me

I've got loads of fans of Harry Potter.

It's been a huge success.

J. K. Rowling, the author, will be here this afternoon.

Hopefully, to chat with all her fans.

-[camera clicks] -[loud cheering]

[girl] We love you, Jo. Jo!

-[cheering intensifies] -Just one minute, please. Thank you.

-[girl] Joanne! -[loud cheering]

Oh, my God! I don't think I can do this.

[stutters] This isn't me.

I mean, did you see the guest list?

What do I have to talk about with the Duchess of York, honestly?

Whatever famous people talk about when they gather.

-[exhales sharply] -Like it or not, you're one of them now.

[sighs] Thank you.

Thank you for coming with me.

What kind of man wouldn't support his fiancée?

Right… I wish Mum was here.

Jo, it may be their movie, but this is your night!

You've earned the right to be proud… enjoy it.

-[inhales] Okay. -[crowd cheering]

-[nervous chuckle] -Let's go.

-No, wait. -[cheering continues]

I just need a moment, okay?

[soft music]

-[girl] Joanne, Joanne! -[young Joanne laughing]

[girl] Joanne! Joanne, not so fast!

[Joanne] Di, would you come on?

[both giggling]

[Di] Wait!

[boy] Aw.

-[wheels squeaking] -Look at the ickle, widdle babies.

Shut up, Ian!

Or what? You'll cast a spell on me?

Go on!

Don't listen to him, Di. He wouldn't understand.

Besides, he couldn't pass the test.

What test? Why not?

Because you'd be too scared.

I'm not scared!

Then, you'll take the test?

All right.

What's the test?

It's easy, just walk into the woods.

That's it?

Simple, nothing to it.

[Joanne] Just watch out for old Ellen.

Who?

The witch, who haunts that old forest.

[scoffs]

She stole goblin gold… and they tried to punish her.

So, she moved into the Forest of Dean a 100 years ago.

They say, "If you're with friends, you're safe.

But if you go into the woods alone,

she places a curse on you."

She writes your name backwards on the diamox stone,

and when she writes the last letter

you vanish, forever.

[ominous music]

Well?

[sighs]

-[bird cawing] -[clouds rumbling]

[rumbling continues]

-[cawing continues] -[Ian inhales deeply]

[Ian stutters] Agra… Agrogra…

what do I have to say?

Agregary Septomus Fluentar.

And this will free me from the ogres?

If you say it right.

And remember, flick and swish.

Flick and swish.

Flick and swish, flick and swish.

[woman] Ian! Ian Potter! Supper!

Sorry, see you.

[stutters] But you can't go.

We haven't even fought the trolls yet!

[clouds rumbling]

Come on!

[Joanne] Agregary Septomus Fluentar.

-Agregary Septomus Fluentar. -[rumbling continues]

-Agregary Septomus Fluentar. -[lightning strikes]

[bells tolling]

[door creaks]

-Oh! Hi, love. -[man] Um…

-meat smells nice. -Hmm.

[inhales deeply] Where are the kids?

Di's playing outside and Joanne's upstairs, writing.

-Writing? -Yes, she has decided to become a writer.

[chuckles] Last week it was prime minister,

week before that it was a horsewoman.

This is no worse than the others, I suppose.

Don't go saying a thing like that in front of her, Pete Rowling!

-Or so help me, God. -[chuckles]

I'm just saying she has plenty of time to play

before she has to deal with the real world.

I know, but it's tough being as smart as she is!

She can do whatever she sets her mind to,

and I won't have you making fun of her for it.

No, I bet you won't.

[soft music]

"'Beyond the wild wood comes the wide world,'

said the rat.

And that's something that doesn't matter, either to you or me.

I've never been there and I'm never going, nor you either,

if you've got any sense at all.

Don't ever refer to it again, please."

Oh, please! Just a little more!

Oh, I know you, Missy.

You'll "just one more page" me until the sun comes up.

But I need to know what happens next.

It's your first day at your new school tomorrow and I want you rested.

-Good night. -[whispers] Good girl.

-Night. -[in normal voice] Good night.

[Mrs. Rowling exhales sharply]

-[Mrs. Rowling kisses] -[Di yawns]

[door closes]

-[switch clicks] -[spooky music]

[Joanne] "Leaving the main street,

he passed into what seemed at first sight,

like a little landlocked lake."

[children chattering]

[boy laughing]

[indistinct chattering]

[bell ringing]

Well, I am Mrs. Morgan.

You all shall have the pleasure of my company for the next nine months.

[Mrs. Morgan] Before we go any further, I must sort you out.

You will complete these, quietly. I might add.

Pass them back.

You have five minutes.

What are these?

Haven't you ever done fractions?

Not at my old school.

[Mrs. Morgan] Tut!

Four minutes!

[Mrs. Morgan] Patricia Parkinson, ten.

Sit here, dear.

Karen Bittinger, ten. Behind her.

Robert Walden, nine and a half. Here.

Joanne Rawling.

Rowling.

What?

It's Rowling.

[sarcastically] Very well, Miss Rowling.

One half point, you'll sit here.

[knock on desk]

The dunce row!

[children laughing mockingly]

[Mrs. Morgan] Now that everyone is where they belong,

take out your books and turn to page seven.

We'll refresh.

[slams door]

[Mrs. Rowling] Hey, love.

How was school today?

-Oh. -[door closes]

[knock on door]

Hey!

Do you wanna read some more later?

[Joanne sighs]

No.

-I have to do my homework. -[tender music]

Well… Jo, you can do both, you know?

Joanne?

Joanne?

[man] Joanne?

[scribbling]

[man] Joanne Rowling?

-Yes, Mr. Nettleship. -[inhales deeply]

And to what competition am I subjected today?

-[Mr. Nettleship] Huh? [inhales deeply] -[students chuckle softly]

It's unfortunate you don't apply the same diligence

to your studies as you do your extracurricular projects.

[students chuckle mockingly]

[Joanne] I received a 97.

What was that, Miss Rowling?

I received a 97 on my last exams.

I don't recall seeing any higher.

Are you saying that I should allow you to waste my time

teaching someone who doesn't listen?

I'm saying, sir… that I was listening.

Ah! Then, perhaps you can enlighten the class

by telling us the definition of an axiom.

[inhales deeply] A mathematical property that is assumed to be true without proof.

And can you name the four original axioms

developed by the Greek mathematician Euclid?

Things which are equal to the same thing are also equal to one another.

If equals are added to equals,

the wholes are equal.

And if equals are taken from equals,

the remainders are equal.

And… the whole is greater than the part.

Do you know what your problem is, Miss Rowling?

You have the ability to succeed…

but are often given to flights of fancy

when you should keep your feet more grounded.

Miss Timmons, would you please switch seats with Miss Rowling?

[Miss Timmons scoffs]

[Mr. Nettleship] All right, let's settle down. Back to work.

[bell ringing]

Dismissed!

[faint chatter]

[Joanne clears throat]

Miss Rowling… a moment?

Listen… [exhales sharply] I didn't choose you

because you didn't know that answer.

I singled you out because you weren't paying attention.

I'm sorry, professor.

This class bores you.

Have you ever considered a literary career, Miss Rowling?

Oh. No, sir.

It's just a hobby. Nothing more.

[sinister music]

[Miss Timmons] Oi, slut!

-Where do you think you're going? -[Joanne] Where am I going?

That's kind of an existential question… isn't it?

What?

I'm sorry, were the words too big for you?

I'll speak more slowly.

[Joanne grunts]

-[students] Oh… -You shouldn't have done that!

[Joanne grunts, whimpers]

-[students snickering] -[Joanne whimpering]

-Battleship's coming! -[students chattering]

[Joanne whimpers]

-[indistinct chatter] -[Joanne grunts]

[Joanne breathes heavily]

I didn't need your help.

[scoffs] Of course, you didn't.

Given enough time, she would've hurt her fists on your face.

[heavy breathing continues]

I'm Sean Harris.

[Joanne whimpering]

Need help getting home?

[sighs] I said, I'm fine.

-Ugh! -Right, you're aces.

[Joanne sighs in frustration]

[exhales]

[Joanne] Mum…

do you think… do you think I'm weird?

[scoffs]

Of course, not. Why would you ask something like that?

It's just-- [sighs]

Nobody reads the books I read

and nobody… [inhales] thinks the same things I think,

I just-- [sighs]

I can't help but wonder if something's wrong with me.

[Mrs. Rowling] Oh, love.

[inhales deeply] Do you know what being this age is all about?

[inhales deeply] It's about trying everything.

Figuring out with fits you, up here,

and discarding the rest.

[Mrs. Rowling breathes heavily]

But how long will that take? Because I really--

-Jo! -[screams in panic]

Dad! Dad, help!

-[Joanne] Help me! -What's going on?

-[Mrs. Rowling gasps] I don't know! -Di, call an ambulance.

[siren wailing]

[woman speaking indistinctly over mic]

What's multiple--

-[stutters] -Multiple Sclerosis.

-[indistinct chatter] -It means Mum is very sick.

Can't they get her a shot?

I don't think they have a shot for this.

She's going to get better…

isn't she?

[woman speaking indistinctly over mic]

[rock music]

Come on, come on, come on!

[Joanne] Let's go! Let's go!

Open the door!

[Sean] Come on! Come on!

Let's fly!

[engine roaring]

Go, go, go!

[Joanne] Freedom!

-[Joanne laughs] -[music fades]

[Sean] So… is your mum doing any better?

Change of subject.

All right.

[Joanne grunts]

[water splashes]

That's not how head girls are supposed to act.

Do you know what being chosen head girl at Wyedean means?

Least likely to get arrested.

Still… it'll look good on an application.

[Joanne sighs]

You are still planning on going to university, right?

[Joanne exhales]

[Sean] Oxford?

You can't seriously be thinking about applying?

-I already have. -[scoffs]

It's the best place in the world for a writer! [inhales deeply]

Most writers tend to let people read their work.

I'm your best friend, and you haven't let me see rubbish.

Why is that?

[Joanne inhales]

Because… I haven't written anything that's come to life yet.

And until I do, I can't show anyone anything.

[Sean sighs]

Well, sure. Oxford will help you get past that.

[chuckles] Yeah, you think so?

Yeah, it certainly can't make things any worse.

Maybe… you could write me into one of your stories.

You're such a weaselly guy!

[both chuckle]

-[cheering] -[indistinct chatter]

[cheering and applause]

[Joanne] It's so beautiful! Thanks, Mum!

-Aw, look at that. -[Pete laughing]

-[Pete] Oh, yeah! -[indistinct chatter and giggling]

[Joanne] Thank you.

[tender music]

I got it, Mum.

Shall I do the honors?

-[Mrs. Rowling clears throat] -[Pete] Hey, Sean…

all right!

[blues music]

-[indistinct chattering nearby] -[sniffing]

[door opens and squeaks]

What took you so long?

[Joanne exhales, sniffs]

I'm going to miss you next year.

Any word yet from Oxford?

[music continues]

You didn't open it.

No… [nervous chuckle] too nervous.

-You do it. -[Sean] Me? No, no…

Why not?

[Sean exhales deeply]

Jo, what's in this envelope could change the rest of your life.

It could be the start of something bigger than you ever dreamed.

I can't be responsible for that.

I'm too nervous!

Please.

[paper tearing]

[Mrs. Rowling] Ugh! What are they, daft?

You're head girl, top of the class, nothing but straight A's.

How could they not take you?

Jo, they'd be lucky to have you.

I guess, I'm just not Oxford material.

No, it's because you went to a public school,

-it's because we couldn't afford-- -But that's not fair!

[Pete] No, it's not.

But that's the way the world works.

[Pete inhales] Now, it's up to you to make the best of it.

Exeter's a good school, Jo--

I don't even know what kind of writing program Exeter has.

Well, maybe, you should consider another major.

But I want to be a writer!

You can still write.

[Mrs. Rowling] There is nothing stopping you from writing.

Yeah, just pick something more practical.

Writing is what I want to do! It's all I've ever wanted to do!

Your mother and I just want you to pick something

you'd make a living at after you're done.

Something like, math.

I hate math.

Foreign languages.

You are so good with words, what about a foreign language?

Yeah, that's never a waste.

And with foreign language, you can find a good job.

The secretary at my work speaks Italian, she makes a proper killing.

Is that how you see me, Dad, a secretary?

Well, better that then on the dole, begging for relief from the government.

[sighs]

Besides, you'd be close by in case something happens to your mum.

[Joanne exhales sharply]

[Pete sighs]

What? I'll talk to her.

[loud thud]

[slams door]

[sighs]

Jo.

[door closes]

Do not make me a part of your decision, okay?

You do what you have to do.

Sure… just as long as it's something practical.

[Mrs. Rowling] Oh, there are many ways to be practical, my love.

Just do what your heart tells you, okay?

[Joanne exhales]

If you wanna study writing, then you study writing.

[audience applauding]

-Michael Ross Jones, health sciences. -[uplifting music]

[audience applauding]

Joanne Rowling, languages.

-[audience applauding] -[triumphant music]

Bravo!

[audience applauding]

[chancellor] Peter Rowan, Mathematics.

[audience applauding]

[upbeat music]

♪ Why I cannot see The worlds I wanna see ♪

♪ Why I cannot play The lines I wanna play ♪

-[telephone ringing] -[music fades]

-[man] Jo! -[telephone ringing continues]

-Joanne. -Yeah?

Can you get me a standard visa and supporting documentation?

Oh, sure. I just had them here…

here they are.

-[telephone ringing] -Oh.

Amnesty International Research Unit, Joanne Rowling.

[Mrs. Rowling] Hi, honey.

How's the dream job?

[Joanne] Hi, Mum.

It's fine.

-They're doing… wonderful things here. -[indistinct chatter nearby]

Don't get me wrong, I like the job, I really do.

But… I'm just not sure this is where I'm supposed to be.

Uh… should I even ask about your writing?

-[chuckles] -[woman] No…

Uh… [sighs]

I can't seem to find the right story and without the right story,

I can't seem to get any motivation.

[inhales] When the time comes, love, the words will be there.

Trust me, I have total faith in you.

Thanks, Mum.

-[man clears throat] -[inhales deeply]

Uh, I should go.

I love you, bye.

-Hi. -[clicks tongue] Do you have a moment, Jo?

Absolutely, yes.

-[indistinct chatter nearby] -[phone ringing]

Please.

[Joanne] What is it?

Jo, how many jobs have you had since the university?

Uh… a few.

Two. Four. Eight.

[chuckles]

I think, you're unhappy here.

And what's more, I think, you know that as well.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I know, it was a personal call. It was my mum.

And I didn't mean it when I said I wasn't supposed to be working--

Your heart is in the right place…

but you should be doing what makes you happy.

-Right! -[soft music]

Well, I can't.

Not practical.

[chuckles softly]

[train wheels screeching]

[engine hisses]

[man over mic] Attention, please.

Due to mechanical difficulties, there will be a slight delay

-in service from Manchester to London. -[cart rolling]

I see, we're up to our usual high standard of service.

Something from the cart, dear? Some sweeties or lollies?

Ooh. [slurps]

What flavors do you have?

[woman] Oh, we have every flavor.

Lime, raspberry, strawberry, liver, spinach, tripe--

Liver and tripe?

Grape, deary. Grape.

Oh. [chuckles]

-[woman] You just headed out for the day? -Job interview, actually.

Another… job interview.

-I bet, you did wonderfully. -[Joanne] I'm sure I did awfully.

And that even now, word of my ignominious failure

is making its way through the clerical pools of Greater London.

[woman] Well, I'm sure it's all going to work out.

[wrapper crunching]

Compliments of British Rail!

-Liver and tripe… -[laughs]

our specialty.

Well, thank you!

There, that's better.

And don't you worry, love. We'll be going again soon.

[sighs]

[Mrs. Rowling] When the time comes, love, the words will be there.

Trust me, I have total faith in you.

[Pete] We're not saying don't write, Jo.

Your mother and I just want you to pick something you'd make a living at.

[Mr. Nettleship] You have the ability to succeed,

but are often given to flights of fancy,

when you should keep your feet more grounded.

-[enigmatic music] -[owl hoots]

-[Ian] Come on! Come on, let's go! -[Joanne chuckles]

[Di] Wait up!

-[Ian] Come on! -[woman] Ian, Ian Potter! Time to come in.

[Mrs. Rowling] Joanne, Diane, it's time for supper!

[Ian whispers] Great. [sighs]

[bird cawing]

-[owl hoots] -[wind blowing]

-[clouds thundering] -[enigmatic music]

Hello… is someone there?

[Joanne] Is someone there?

[voice echoing] Is someone there?

[voice echoing] Is someone there?

[enigmatic music continues]

[wind blowing]

[Joanne] Hello?

Hello, is anyone there?

[triumphant music]

Hello?

[music continues]

Is anyone here?

[suspenseful music]

[Joanne] Hello?

[thunder roaring]

Hello!

Who are you?

-[suspenseful music continues] -[lightning strikes]

[thunder roaring]

[lightning strikes]

[train chuffing]

[whispers] Harry Potter.

[in normal voice] Your name is Harry Potter…

and you're on your way to school.

You're on your way to wizard school.

Paper, pen.

[dynamic music]

[epic music]

♪ Hark how the bells Sweet silver bells ♪

♪ All seem to say Throw cares away ♪

♪ Christmas is here Bringing good cheer ♪

♪ To young and old Meek and the bold ♪

-[Diane] Come on! -[Joanne] Hello!

There they are!

-[Diane] Happy Christmas! -[Joanne] Hi, Dad!

-Happy Christmas! -Happy Christmas.

-[Joanne] You got it. -Hi, Dad.

I'm going to put these under the tree then.

Where should I put them, here?

-Right under the tree. -Under the tree, of course.

-Careful. -Where's Mum?

She's still getting ready.

-Why don't you pop in? -All right, I'll pop in.

-Can I leave that? -[Pete chuckles]

-Put your presents under. -[chuckles] I'm going to.

-[Joanne] My bag! -Why don't you take that? Come on.

[Pete chuckles] Let's do this.

[sighs in frustration]

Mum, Dad is threatening to ignite the Christmas pudding if you don't hurry up!

-I'm almost ready. [inhales deeply] -All right.

[Mrs. Rowling sighs]

Have I told you lately how very proud I am of you?

What, you permanently unemployed daughter?

No… of my daughter who doesn't know the meaning of the word quit.

Well, that's because I keep getting fired before I get the chance to learn.

[both chuckle]

You're getting fired because you have your father's stubborn streak.

[inhales] Which I will be getting surgically removed come the new year!

[chuckles softly]

[sniffles]

I'm also lucky enough to have your endless patience, Mum.

[tender music]

You two girls…

[sigh of relief] I just want you to be happy.

For you both to find that thing that [inhales deeply] completes

and fulfills you.

Do you know what, Mum?

-I think, I have. -Aw.

Then, never let it go.

Because you just don't know how long you're gonna have it for.

-[inhales deeply] -[tender music]

All right, you need to stop talking like this.

-[heavy breathing] -Do you understand me?

You're going to be around for a very long time.

-You're right, dear. -You're probably gonna outlive me!

[Mrs. Rowling chuckles]

Happy Christmas, Mum.

I love you.

Aw, I love you.

-Come on. -[Mrs. Rowling groans]

Of course… if you could get me a grandchild, I would not complain.

Well, we'll just have to check the stocking then, won't we?

Maybe, Santa left a grandchild for you.

[bells ringing]

[enigmatic music]

[epic music]

[enchanting music]

[telephone ringing]

Oh, hello.

Hi, Dad. Happy new year.

Well, not new year yet, but--

[in shock] What?

What do you mean?

I don't understand, what do you-- [exhales]

[woman] I'm sorry.

[indistinct chatter]

[sighs]

[somber music]

[Joanne gasps]

[sobs]

[sniffles]

-[Joanne sniffing] -[Diane] Jo.

I can't believe she kept it all this time!

-[Diane sighs] -[sobbing continues]

-Rabbit! -Yeah, Rabbit.

I remember that.

Oh, you-- You wrote it for me when I was sick.

[Joanne sniffing]

The bunnies were so nice to me, [sniffling]

they fed me strawberries.

I'm gonna die, I miss her so much!

I can't even breathe, I miss her so much.

[Joanne sobs continuously]

I just want her back.

[sobbing continues]

[both sobbing]

[typewriter clicking]

-[indistinct chatter] -[typewriter clicking]

[phone ringing]

[woman speaking indistinctly over mic]

[uplifting music]

[telephone ringing]

[Joanne] Hi, Di. Greetings from sunny Portugal.

At least, sunnier than Edinburgh. Ha Ha!

[birds chirping]

I started my new job at last and I'm finally settled in.

It's an incredible thing being here.

Thank God for my flatmates!

They make this whole place worthwhile.

Aine's from Cork, very cocky but equally sweet once you get to know her.

And then there's Jill, she's sort of the mother hen

though she's actually younger than we are.

She has a way of keeping Aine in line.

[glasses clink]

Honestly, Di! I don't know what they were thinking when they hired me.

How am I supposed to teach English to people

who don't understand the language while I don't speak theirs?

[indistinct chatter]

[Joanne sighs] I feel… awful that I won't be back for Christmas this year.

But between work and day-to-day things, I'm keeping very busy.

Still, I can't help but feel that…

I should be doing more writing.

It's been really difficult since Mum died.

Anyway, I will miss you at Christmas.

Give your new boyfriend a big hug from me and tell Dad that I miss him.

I'll write again soon.

Love you, Jo.

[Jill] Right, get yourself ready.

We're going out tonight.

No, I'm not going out, I've got to work.

Jo, come on!

Darling, you've got the rest of your life to work.

-No! -Come on!

[Jill] Now is the time for fun.

I'm not going out, I'm going to write.

-[Aine] Is she coming? -No, she's working.

-[Joanne] No, I'm writing. -That's not good enough.

How are you going to meet anyone sitting in your room?

Well, who else do I have to meet when I have you two?

Let's find out!

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

-[music intensifies] -[indistinct chatter]

[Joanne] I'm staying for one drink, one!

[Aine] Oh, you say that now!

-[Joanne] I know I'm old I'm boring. -[indistinct chatter]

[Joanne] I don't know about sitting at the bar.

Okay, all right. One drink then I'm going.

[girls chattering and laughing]

[Joanne] Drinks, please!

[Joanne] No.

Oh, I see trouble.

[upbeat music]

What if he comes this way?

-[Joanne] No… -Quick, who are we this time?

Um… okay! You are, you are… a journalist

from… uh, the Netherlands.

-Good, good. -But…

-but your handmaid here -[Jill] Hey! [chuckles]

is in love with your brother

and wants to marry him, but he can't marry before you,

so… she's conspiring with your father to bring you back to Porto.

Got it? Journalist, handmaid, that's it.

-[Joanne] What? -[Aine] He's here.

[Joanne clears throat]

Madam, do you work here? Porto?

No, I'm a journalist with the Amsterdam Guardian.

May we dance?

-Let's! -[girls chuckle]

[Aine inhales deeply]

Yeah, I'd better go, keep an eye on her.

-All right, I'll get the bill. -[chuckles]

[upbeat music]

[Joanne exhales sharply]

Excuse me!

You know, you might want to tell her there is no Amsterdam Guardian.

Really? And how do you know that?

I know because I'm a journalist.

Is that why you eavesdrop on other people's conversations?

[both chuckle]

I'm sorry, it is a trick of the trade.

Ah… right. Well.

It was a good story, by the way.

Oh! Well, I'm very glad you liked it. Hello?

Taming of the Shrew.

[chuckles] It was Taming of the Shrew.

You've read Taming of the Shrew?

Of course. I read great many things.

And what do you do?

I'm an English teacher. That's what I do.

[Joanne inhales deeply]

-No. -What?

-[man chuckles] -I am!

-No, you must sit. -[Joanne chuckles]

We are gonna get a drink and you are gonna tell me what you really do!

I really am an English teacher.

[in Portuguese] Can I have two glasses of wine, please?

[in English] My name is Jo, short for Joanne.

Um… I am Jorge Arantes.

-Arantes! [chuckles] -Arantes. [chuckles]

Arantes… nice to meet you.

[Joanne] Cheers.

[crowd cheering]

[tram bell ringing]

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Who?

Joanne? Um… I don't know if she's home.

Let me see.

Oh, Joanne! Are you home? [chuckles]

-Play hard to get! -All right!

Hello?

Hi, Jorge.

[soft guitar music]

[Joanne] That was… lots of fun. [soft chuckle]

Yeah.

[Joanne shivers]

-Oh! -It's kind of cold tonight, isn't it?

-Oh, no! -I didn't mean for you--

-Absolutely not. -Oh-- What's gonna keep you warm?

-Your smile. -[laughs]

Okay, then!

[Joanne] Um…

-this is me, here. -[indistinct chatter nearby]

[stutters] I would invite you up, but… my flatmates.

-[indistinct chatter] -Your flatmates?

That is the Dutch journalist and her duplicitous handmaid.

[chuckles] Yes, that's them.

I'd like to keep talking, but…

Then, keep talking.

For me, you can… talk until the sun comes up over the Rio Duero.

Oh… [chuckles] wow.

You're like something out of a romance novel.

-[both chuckle] -[Joanne inhales deeply] Um--

-I've been told before. [chuckles] -[laughs]

-All right… -Only once!

[both chuckle]

-I'll get a jacket of my own -Okay.

and… um, yeah, all right.

-Can I come? -Yes. Just-- You've gotta be quiet.

-Sh! We won't talk. -Okay.

[door knob rattles]

[Joanne whispers] Thank you.

I'll just go… get the jacket and just--

Make yourself at home, okay?

[door squeaks]

[exhales]

-[soft music] -Oh, my God!

[exhales sharply]

[door opens]

What are you doing?

-Huh? -[screams] What are you doing?

Joanne, I--

This is private. You can't just come into my house and read my things!

-I've never let anybody read-- -Joanne, I'm sorry.

Jo, are you all right?

I'm fine, Aine. I'm sorry, go back to bed.

-[Jorge] Joanne-- -Get out, you need to go.

Please, let me say one thing.

What? What do you want to say?

I think, I'm falling in love…

[soft music]

with a great writer.

[bird chirping]

[Joanne] It's only been a few months and I didn't want to say anything,

but he's really wonderful.

Well, as long as you're happy, Jo.

[Joanne] I am, for the first time, in a long time.

I am! I'm seeing a guy I really like, and I'm writing, a lot.

So, what more could I ask for?

Jo, I-- I have something I need to tell you.

What?

Oh, God! Is it Dad?

Well, no, it's not Dad.

Well, it is Dad. It's just not what--

What?

Jo, he's getting remarried.

To who? It hasn't even been a year!

[Diane] It's Janet, his secretary.

Janet's already married, Janet has children.

[Diane] No, she's getting divorced.

[Joanne] He can't do that!

I'm not happy about it either.

What the hell does he think he's doing!

Maybe, he's… moving on.

Look, I'll call you next week, all right?

I should have more details by then.

Okay, next week.

I'll talk to you next week, then.

[horn honks]

-I love you. -[Diane] I love you too, Jo.

[phone beeps]

[Aine] Oh. Are you done?

Because the godmothers of the swing are ready to party.

Okay, two minutes.

[salsa music]

[indistinct chatter]

-[music continues] -[indistinct chatting]

[people laughing]

-[both chuckle] -[indistinct chatter]

[Aine] Uh, why don't we go to another bar?

-[Dianne] Why-- -[Jill] Yeah, how 'bout swing?

That's always fun!

-[woman chuckles] -Ooh!

[tender music]

[engine roaring]

[Jorge] Joanne! Joanne, please!

-It's not what it looks like. -Oh, really?

Silly me, it looked like you were kissing another girl!

No! Wait, Joanne! Let me explain.

Why bother? Why bother? You've had your fun and now it's over!

There's lots more English girls for you to go to.

You've had your fun with me and now, it's over! That's fine.

Over? No, Jo! I don't want this to be over!

Yeah! Well, you have a funny way of showing it.

Okay, please! Joanne, please! I'm sorry.

Damn it! Why are you so stubborn?

Oh, Jorge! I thought that's what you liked about me!

[mimics Jorge] "Oh, Joanne.

You're so independent, so different from all the Portuguese women,

-that's what I love about you." -Oh, I'm sorry!

-I had no idea you were so perfect. -Not perfect, faithful!

I'd never have done something like that to you!

[Jorge] Okay, Jo! Wait, I never will again.

Joanne, please!

Joanne, I'm sorry!

I don't wanna lose you.

Joanne, marry me.

-[bells tolling] -[birds chirping]

-[Joanne] I'm so glad you're here, Di. -[exhales] I wouldn't miss it.

I know, it was short notice.

Can you believe the army called him up?

He has to leave this weekend, I'm not even gonna get a honeymoon.

Do you think you might be rushing it just a bit?

-You just met him. -Di…

he makes me happy, okay?

-Of course. -Okay.

-Okay. -All right.

Joanne Rowling.

[in Portuguese accent] Jorge Arantes.

[speaking Portuguese]

[speaking Portuguese]

[speaking Portuguese]

I do.

[Joanne chuckles, mumbles]

-[cheerful music] -[women] Aw!

[Jorge chuckles]

[man] Okay. Smile, you two! One, two, three!

[camera clicks]

[romantic music]

[both breathing heavily]

-[moans] Eight weeks, my love. -[breathes heavily]

-I'll get leave in eight weeks, okay? -[whispers] Okay.

[Jorge groans]

[door squeaking]

[Joanne] Bye.

[door squeaking]

[exhales sharply]

[pleasant music]

[suspenseful music]

[door opens]

-[gasps in shock] -[phone beeps]

You're home early!

[Joanne] I wasn't expecting you till tonight.

[shrieks] I didn't think eight weeks could take so long!

I've missed you so much. I'm gonna cook all your favorite things

and guess what? I've been writing. So-- What's wrong?

[horn honking]

What?

That was the paper, Jo.

-They gave my job to someone else. -[soft voice] Oh, baby.

-I'm sorry. -[exhales sharply]

You know what? You'll get another, you will.

[Jorge] You don't understand!

They gave away my job! What am I gonna do now?

Well, I can support us for a little while.

No, that's not the way it works, Jo. [inhales]

The husband takes care of the wife, okay?

What?

-[Joanne] Hey! -[exhales sharply]

[Jorge sighs]

[exhales]

I'm sorry, Joanne.

Listen.

I was going to tell you over dinner, but…

Hey…

I'm pregnant.

I'm pregnant.

[Jorge sighs]

-Where are you going? -[Jorge] Another mouth I can't feed.

Jorge! You just--

[thud]

[ambient music]

[horn honking]

[Jill chuckles]

Oh, how precious she is!

[Joanne] You know why I named her Jessica?

After my favorite writer Jessica Mitford.

But Jorge keeps telling everyone…

-come here, baby! -[Jill] Aw.

…we named her after Jezebel in the Bible,

-he thinks that's funny. -Figures.

So, where is the proud father?

Aine.

Jorge is doing much better

now that his army service is done, isn't he?

Jo, you don't need to make excuses for him.

-I'm not-- -[Jill] Not to us.

Okay. Both of you, stop. It's fine.

He's fine, we're fine,

[stutters] he needs a job, and he'll be great.

Well, it's kinda hard to do when you spend

your nights drinking till the sun comes up.

[Jill] Aine!

Listen. Jo, you've gotta leave him.

[Aine] He's not good for you, and now that you have a baby--

Now that I have a baby, I can't.

-It's better now than when she's older. -[Jessica coos]

[Aine] Ever since you married Jorge, he's made you miserable.

-What's to say it won't get worse? -This, right here.

[tender music]

[soft chuckle]

[dogs barking]

[bird chirping]

[door knob rattles]

[door squeaking]

[Joanne] It's about time you got home, where have you been?

[Jorge] Oh, Joanne. Please, don't start.

Oh, you stink of alcohol.

-Get off me, Jorge! -Come on!

Jorge, get off. Come on!

Hey, what? You don't want me?

-[Joanne] No! -[Jorge] Hey.

[Joanne angrily] Hey, stop it!

You don't tell me no.

I can tell you whatever I want! I'm your wife!

[Joanne] Not one of your girlfriends.

You don't know what you're talking about.

-[Joanne] Oh, really? -Yeah.

Well, people talk, Jorge.

Who's talking, huh?

Who's talking? Your stupid friends?

Jill, Aine?

-They never liked me. -[Jessica starts crying]

Great, thank you.

-[crying continues] -[thud]

Get off me!

[Jorge] So what, Jo?

-[Jorge] So what if I drink? -Jorge, please.

[Jorge] You know what? If I had a wife who supported me,

but instead she doesn't even have time for me anymore.

-This stupid book, Harry Potter! -[pages rustling]

[Jorge] Greatest Harry Potter!

-No, don't! -[thud]

-[Jessica sobbing] -[Joanne] Jorge, listen to me.

I can't do this anymore.

I don't love you anymore,

-I don't want to be here anymore. -Ah!

I'm just tired, Jorge, I'm tired of all of this.

-You don't love me anymore? -I can't bring her up.

You tell me you don't love me anymore!

-Tell me you don't love me anymore! -[sobbing continues]

-I just wanna get the baby. -[screams] You wanna go?

-I'll take Jess and I'll go. -Go!

-You can keep the apartment. -Go!

Nobody's stopping you, Jo.

-Go, I said go now! -[Jessica wailing]

-[Joanne] Okay, okay! -Go, now.

[Joanne screams indistinctly]

-You want to take the baby! -[Joanne screams]

[Jorge screams and grunts]

-I'm not doing anything, I'm not! -[Jessica wailing loudly]

You're never going to see your baby again!

-[Joanne] Let me go-- -You're gonna go right now!

-[Jorge] Come on, come on! -I just wanna get the baby.

-[Jorge screaming indistinctly] -Let me get Jess, and I'll go!

[police siren wailing]

-[Joanne] Please! -Get out of here!

Please, let me back in.

-I just wanna get her! -[thud]

-Jorge! -[loud thudding]

-Let me in-- -[police siren wailing]

Police! Stop!

[Joanne] Stop it!

[Joanne] Come on!

-[speaking Portuguese] -[indistinct chatter]

-[speaking Portuguese] -[Joanne] He has my baby. He has my baby.

[in Portuguese] Sir, open the door.

[in Portuguese] This is police.

-[speaking Portuguese] -[speaking Portuguese]

[Jorge screaming in Portuguese]

[in English] Senora, go inside and get your things.

[indistinct chatter]

-[Jorge] What? What are you gonna do? -[speaking Portuguese]

What are you gonna do? You want to push me around?

-[Jorge] That's my wife, okay? -[police siren wailing]

That's my wife!

-[Jessica crying] -[papers rustling]

-[indistinct shouting in Portuguese] -[siren wailing]

Ah, Jo! You got exactly what you wanted!

[knock on door]

-Hi. -Darling, what-- What's happened?

I left Jorge.

I need a place to stay until I can get a home.

-Oh, darling! Of course. -Thank you.

-Here. -[Joanne sighs]

[soft music]

♪ And home, when it's only square one ♪

♪ Sweet as my shame is I call ♪

♪ I'm home, but it's only square one ♪

♪ And there is nothing new under myself ♪

♪ And all the voices ignored ♪

♪ Living life in a box on the floor ♪

♪ And all of them are choices afore ♪

-[music fading] -[indistinct chatter]

-[telephone ringing] -[baby crying]

-[woman] Ugh… -[receptionist] What am I supposed to do?

-[receptionist] I'm so sorry. [stutters] -[indistinct chatter]

-First time? -[woman] Great!

Yes. Oh, yes.

Being on the dole's not so bad,

and it gets easier after your second child.

-You get more relief. -[baby crying]

-[woman] Rowling, Joanne Rowling? -[telephone ringing]

-[woman] is there a Joanne Rowling here? -Here, here, here, hi!

Follow me.

-[typewriter clicking] -[baby crying]

Rowling Joanne. Let's see, married.

Where's your husband?

Uh… I left him.

Hmm.

[inhales deeply] Well, I suppose this is all in order.

[Jessica coos]

I see, you're also requesting housing benefits.

Yes! We need a place to live, don't we?

[woman] How long have you been homeless?

Oh, we're not homeless. Um…

we're actually-- We've been staying with my sister and her husband.

Where did you live before you became homeless?

I'm not homeless.

Portugal. We lived in Portugal.

Why'd you leave?

[sarcastic chuckle] Well, that's…

a very personal question, wouldn't you say?

You're asking the state to support you and your child.

I think, that entitles us to ask a few personal questions, don't you?

He was abusive.

Domestic violence.

Will the father be paying any support?

-No. -Because?

Because he doesn't know where we are and I prefer to keep it that way.

All right.

-[woman] One last question. -Yes?

[woman] Are you expecting any more children?

Not currently, no.

[woman] Very well, Miss Rowling.

Here is your payment book.

[inhales deeply] Take it to the post office once a week

and you get your assistance check.

Thank you.

Uh… how much?

-Sixty-nine pounds. -A week?

How am I supposed to provide on that?

How you spend it is not our concern.

It's just, it's not enough to feed, clothe, raise an infant.

Perhaps, you should've considered that before you left the child's father.

Good day, Miss Rowling.

[somber music]

[whispers indistinctly]

[estate agent] That's the flat.

That's, uh, 300 a month, not including utilities.

And there's a playground half a block away--

We'll take it.

Good!

In my office there's some paperwork,

I'll need to contact your employer.

Actually, I'm not working right now.

-Of course! -[Jessica babbles]

-Then, your husband's employer? -Nope, just the two of us.

How do you intend to pay rent?

Um…

actually, I am, uh…

I'm on assistance, but I'll be looking for a job shortly.

Sorry, no. We don't take rent from--

[Joanne] From people on housing benefits. Yes, I know.

I know! Believe me, I know. I've looked at five places today

and they've all said the same thing.

But um…

I'm desperate here.

I need to find a home for my daughter.

I'd do anything to provide a home for my daughter,

and, uh, it's as if being [inhales deeply] on assistance…

makes me less of a human being, but I'm not.

-[Jessica babbles] -I'm not a bad person,

I'm a mother trying to provide for my child…

and I just need someone to give me a chance.

So if you let me this flat, I promise you

I will never be late with my rent.

I will never complain about anything,

I won't even ask you to do any repairs.

-[estate agent] All right. -I will be the best tenant--

All right! [chuckles]

All right. You can have the flat.

-Really? -[estate agent chuckles]

No woman who cares for her child that much can be a risk.

-Thank you! -Oh, my God. [chuckles]

Oh my gosh! That is-- So sorry.

-No, it's all right. [chuckles] -[Joanne chuckles]

-Did you hear that? -[Jessica babbles]

-I'll see you in my office. -Okay.

We got a home! Do you like it?

[Joanne] This is gonna be your new home.

Look, there's a big window.

[bell tolling]

[Jessica coos]

[Joanne] Did you have fun at your auntie Di's?

-[Jessica babbling] -[Joanne] You were very popular.

Your first Christmas.

When I was little, your grandmother used to make the biggest holiday feasts,

with… meats and breads

and the sweetest sweets you've ever seen.

-She would've loved you, little one. -[chuckles]

[Joanne] She would've showered you with gifts.

[chuckles]

And you'd be the most spoiled little girl in all of Edinburgh.

[Joanne] I'm sorry, I didn't have more for you.

Next year, we're both going to get something better, I promise you that.

[Joanne] Some friends donated the furniture,

it's not much but it's a start.

Any problems adjusting to Edinburgh, Jo?

No, we're managing.

And I think I may have gotten a job.

What do you mean?

Well, I went to some interviews and the prospects look really good.

You can't work.

What?

Well, if you get a job, you'll lose your assistance.

I'm sorry, wait a sec. I don't, um…

I don't understand what you mean.

[woman] The terms of your aid state

that if you receive more than 22.50 a week in wages,

then the state will deduct the equivalent amount from your benefits.

Well then, I won't be able to afford to put Jess in daycare,

and if I can't put her in daycare, I can't work.

You could always consider some part-time secretarial work

to at least supplement your income.

How does the state expect me to get off assistance

if I'm not allowed to get a job?

[clicks tongue]

I'm sorry… those are the rules.

Oh, right. Of course. [sniffles]

We're often given secondhand toys from charities,

and I thought for the baby.

Thank you.

Have a nice afternoon.

[door squeaks]

[door closes]

[Joanne] You know what I keep thinking about, Di?

For the first time since Mum died,

I'm glad she's not here to see what a mess I've made of my life.

Jo… you haven't made a mess of things.

[Diane] You have a beautiful little girl.

I'm unemployed, my marriage is a disaster,

I can barely afford to feed my child.

What do I do? Where do I go from here?

What do you want to do?

What makes you happy?

I'm going to show you something, okay?

Okay. [inhales deeply]

[tender music]

This makes me happy.

What is it?

It's a book, the book.

I've been writing it since before Mum died,

it's notes and pages, and histories,

and drafts of chapters that aren't finished yet,

everything I need to work on, everything I need to finish. [inhales deeply]

This… here!

Where is it? This is…

the last chapter.

-Of the book? -Of the last book.

The seventh… book.

-[Diane] Seven? -[enchanting music]

Yes. Well, if I ever get there.

I've only worked on the first one so far.

Can I read it?

-Yes. -What have you got so far?

Uh! Well… just start with this.

[whispers] Okay.

[in normal voice] Di… you have to be honest, okay?

Of course.

[enchanting music]

[music continues]

[papers rustle]

Well.

Well?

Why haven't you finished it?

I'm afraid?

Of what?

Um…

what if no one likes it?

[screams] Do you like it?

Jo, it is…

it's magical!

Really?

[Diane] If this is what you want to do…

do it!

Write.

What do you have to lose?

-[Joanne sighs] -[epic music]

[papers rustle]

[inhales deeply]

[sighs in relief]

Well, Harry…

it's you and me.

[cheerful guitar music]

[pleasant music]

[Jessica wailing]

[Joanne] Sh, sh…

[wailing continues]

[speaks indistinctly]

Aw, look.

-[Jessica wailing] -All right, all right, you.

You and I are gonna have to come to an understanding, all right?

[pleasant music]

[horn honking]

What do you think, Jess?

You think, we'll ever see a Harry Potter display in there?

Not bloody likely, eh?

At last, thank you!

Come on. Let's go write.

-[enchanting music] -[Joanne] Well, if that isn't a sign…

all right, then.

[doorbell chimes]

Uh, I'll have, uh, water and a cup of coffee please, thank you.

-[doorbell chimes] -[enchanting music]

[door squeaks]

[owl hoots]

[vines crackling]

[enchanting music]

[indistinct chatter]

[music intensifies]

-[horse neighing] -[swords clanking]

[clickety-clack of keyboard]

[pleasant music]

[Joanne] Hi.

You know what? I'm not gonna get those ones.

Or that.

Or that. You know, I think-- Just the baby food, please.

Great, thank you.

[cash register beeping]

[Joanne grunts]

[exhales sharply]

[dial creaks]

-Okay. -[typewriter clicking]

[ting]

[typewriter clicking continues]

[epic music]

[enchanting music]

[facade creaks]

[indistinct chatter]

[thumping]

[clerk] Next, please!

[thud]

[clerk] On your way. Next!

-[indistinct chatter] -[clerk] Next!

[thumping]

[clerk] Next!

[indistinct whispering]

[goblin] Next.

[epic music]

[Diane] So, you finished it.

What now?

It won't be finished until I see it in bookshops.

How do you plan on doing that?

I suppose, I'll have to get an agent.

-[thud] -[Joanne] All right, let's see.

[scribbling]

[Joanne whispers] The Write Stuff Agency.

-[scribbling] -[Joanne] The Christopher Little Agency.

-[Joanne] I need to mail these. -[indistinct chatter]

That's my book! I wrote it.

[thumping]

[energetic music]

[engine starts]

[telephone ringing]

[receptionist] The Christopher Little Agency. How may I direct your call?

[telephone ringing]

[indistinct chatter]

-How does it look this morning? -Not bad, only two feet high.

God, I hate the unsolicited pile.

[exhales]

[indistinct chatter]

Anything good today, Bryony?

[scoffs] Is there ever?

Well, take a last pass before you go.

-You never know what treasures-- -May be hiding out of sight.

Night.

[door closes]

[Bryony inhales] "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."

Hmm.

[door knob rattles]

-[Diane] I'm here! Ah… -[Joanne] Oh, thank you.

and where is my sweet, perfect, adorable niece?

Do you have another niece I don't know about?

You should be nice to me, I've got your mail.

You got something from the Right Stuff Agency.

[Diane] Come here, you.

[Joanne] Di! This is one of the agencies I sent my book to!

[Jessica coos]

-[sighs] -[somber music]

They turned down my book.

[man] "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,

by Joanne Rowling."

Yes. [chuckles]

This is a children's book!

Yes!

No!

-We don't represent children's books. -I know.

[man] Children's books don't make any money.

-I know. -And they're a notoriously hard sell.

Especially if it's from someone with no track record. [inhales deeply]

Very good, you're learning.

Read it.

[inhales] I don't have to read it. The title tells me everything I need to know.

Read it or I'll quit!

Will you?

Well, no, but [inhales] you will lose any of the respect

you've so slowly earned with me.

[Bryony] A wise man once told me,

"You never know what treasures--"

May be hiding out of sight.

Time to be that man again, sir.

-[door closes] -[pleasant music]

[door knob rattles]

What is it? What-- What's happened?

[happily] I got a job!

-A teaching job. -[gasps]

The best part of it is I'm gonna make enough money

to get Jess in daycare and get off assistance.

Oh, Jo! This calls for a major blast.

-Yes. -I think the Rowling girls

should get all dolled up and go out for hot fudge sundaes, perhaps? My treat.

-Well, that sounds posh. -[telephone ringing]

Uh, I'll get the phone, you get the monster.

-[telephone ringing] -[Joanne hums]

-[phone beeps] -Hello?

-[man] Joanne Rowling, please. -Speaking.

Ah, Miss Rowling. This is Christopher Little.

[Mr. Little] I believe you sent me your manuscript.

[excitingly] Yes, I did.

[soft music]

[Joanne] That… was my agent.

[Jessica coos]

He wants me to come to London to talk about the book.

-You have an agent? -I have an agent.

-You have an agent? -I have an agent!

[Mr. Little] As your agent, I'd be responsible for finding

a publisher for your book, as well as negotiating

all rights on any deal related to it.

[Mr. Little] From distribution to film rights.

Film rights for Harry?

Don't get your hopes up,

-it's a standard clause in every contract. -[indistinct chatter]

Right, of course. [chuckles] I'm just, I'm having trouble processing all of this.

Jo, this is the first time you've done this,

so I suggest you get yourself an attorney.

It'll go a long way in making you feel safe.

-All right. -Good.

Now, there are two more points I'd like to go over.

-[Joanne] Okay. -One… [inhales]

I want to change your name.

-Why? -[Mr. Little] Well, because

as a rule, boys won't read books written by female authors.

So, I think it would be best if we go with initials,

like R. L. Stine.

Okay. Okay, I'll try to think of something.

What's your second point?

Ah, a piece of business advice.

Don't quit your day job.

Nobody makes any money writing children's books.

Oh, well.

I write because I love to write, not because I want to get rich.

-[chuckles] -That's a good attitude.

-Yes! -Now, for God's sake, eat something.

-You're making me feel self-conscious. -[chuckles] Right.

[indistinct chattering nearby]

J. Rowling.

J. Rowling. J. D. Rowling.

J. R. Rowling. J… R. R. Rowling.

Too Tolkien.

You know this is your fault for not giving me a middle name, Mum.

-[inhales deeply] -[suspenseful music]

[tender music]

[epic music]

[Mr. Little] Wonderful! And Jo…

uh, just keep in mind, these things do take time.

Yes, we'll be in touch.

-Is that it? -Hmm.

It's got a nice ring to it.

-"J. K. Rowling." -[enchanting music]

[bell ringing]

[woman] Morning recess at 10:15, lunch at 12:00 sharp.

Afternoon break at 1:50, end of day at 3:15.

-Any questions? -[indistinct chattering nearby]

Uh, time off for good behavior?

Humor, very funny.

This is your classroom.

-[children chattering] -[Joanne] Oh. [soft chuckle]

Gosh, any last words of advice?

Try not to be afraid, they can smell fear.

Humor, Miss Rowling.

-Ah. -You'll do fine.

Welcome to Leith Academy.

Thank you.

[children chattering and screaming]

Okay.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Yes.

-Well, it's a children's book. -Nominally.

It's not just a children's book.

Bryony feels very passionately about this work,

and I believe that passion to be justified.

Well, I've never heard of this Rowling bloke, who is he?

-Going to be a hard sell. -[Mr. Little] And nevertheless. [inhales]

So, we'll start with Doubleday and go from there.

Suggestions?

Trival at Random House?

Whitlett won't touch this, don't even try.

Maybe, Denise at Penguin?

Roger at Bantam?

Monroe and Albert.

Sure.

[bell ringing]

[Joanne] Well, what are we doing over here?

That's so cool!

[indistinct whispering nearby]

Do we try some glitter? Yeah…

Thank you!

That's enough there. Oh.

[soft music]

[Bryony] Jo, we heard back from Monroe and Albert, they passed.

Okay.

I'm sorry. [sighs]

[Bryony] But don't worry, we've still got lots left.

And I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

Oh, I've gotta go, bye.

[phone beeps]

Another one. Oh, you did it!

You did it. Here you go.

They passed.

[Bryony] Makes an even dozen. [inhales]

I don't understand, how could so many places pass?

Didn't they even read it?

[scoffs] Listen, uh, Bloomsbury has just opened a children's division.

Uh, why not send it along to them!

The people who published The English Patient?

Hmm. [clicks tongue]

It's worth a try.

[Joanne] Don't think of a test as a bad thing,

think of it as something that makes you stronger.

All right, off you go!

No talking, good luck!

[soft music]

[exhales]

[telephone ringing]

-Hello? -[woman] Bryony Evans?

Yes.

This is Janet Hogarth from Bloomsbury Publishing.

[Janet] I'd like to talk to you about a manuscript you submitted.

[uplifting music]

[door opens]

Miss Rowling, you have a phone call in the office.

-Oh. -Go, I'll monitor your class.

Okay.

Thank you.

Hi. Thank you.

Jo Rowling.

-[Mr. Little] Jo, it's Chris. -Chris, hi. What is it? What's wrong?

We've had an offer on the book.

Bloomsbury wants to publish it.

[uplifting music]

[Mr. Little] Jo, are you still there?

Yes, yes!

[Mr. Little] Do you need assistance?

Yes, no!

Uh…

I have to get back to class now.

[chuckles] That's fine.

[Mr. Little inhales] And Jo!

Yes?

Congratulations.

[gasps]

[victory music]

Thank you.

[epic music]

[screams in excitement] Yes, yes, yes, yes!

[inhales deeply]

[Joanne] Sorry, everything's fine.

Go back to classrooms.

I'm fine.

[horn honking]

[Mr. Little] It's not much.

[Joanne] Are you mad?

It's… [chuckles] it's a fortune!

Now, the initial print run of the book is rather small,

only 5,000 copies in total.

If it sells more than that, there will be royalties.

When's it going to be in the shops?

Well, first it has to go through editing and the galleys.

It's going to be at least a year before you see it on the shelves.

-Right. -And then after it's published here,

I'll start trying to crack the American market. [inhales]

-But don't get your hopes up because-- -Children's books rarely make money.

-Money. -Yes, I know. I know.

[gasps] 1,275 pounds.

I don't even know what to do with all this money.

Go out and buy yourself something nice.

[happy music]

[Joanne chuckles]

It's huge!

Oh, my God!

Hey! Here, I'll take his hand, you take his other hand.

[Joanne] Do you wanna hold his hand? There we go, come on.

[Joanne] Oh my goodness, me!

[knock on door]

J.K. Rowling?

Yes. J. K. Rowling, that's me.

-Just a sign here. -[scribbling]

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-Thanks, have a good day! -You as well.

[soft guitar music]

[exhales]

[blissful music]

[sigh of relief] I did it, Mum.

I did it.

[sniffs]

[exhales sharply] Oh, my God!

[enchanting music]

I'm sorry, we're running a little behind, but…

-just a few more minutes? -Yes, that's fine, absolutely.

A few more minutes. [exhales]

[indistinct chatter nearby]

[exhales]

[woman] I bought it for my son, but…

-[soft chuckle] I-- I can't put it down! -Really?

I've been telling everyone about this book. This Rowling is a great writer.

[inhales deeply] I hope he writes another one soon.

[clicks tongue] Oh, I have a feeling he might.

[woman chuckles]

-We're about to start. -[woman] Oh, I better get my seat!

[breathes shakily] Ah! You should listen in, might be fun.

[Joanne inhales deeply]

-Nervous? -I'm absolutely terrified.

I've never done a reading before.

I'm just sorry that there's not more people.

Please, don't be.

-[inhales] I'm sort of delighted, really. -[woman chuckles]

-Ready? -[chattering nearby]

[whispers] Okay.

[exhales sharply] Hello, everybody.

[Joanne] Thank you for coming.

I'm going to be reading the first two chapters,

and then if anybody has any questions…

Hi.

…uh, you can ask me at the end.

[Joanne] All right!

"Chapter One, 'The boy who lived.'

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive,

were proud to say that they were perfectly normal,

thank you very much. [inhales deeply]

[Joanne] They were the last people you'd expect to be involved

in anything strange."

[Mr. Little] Well, think of publishing a book like having a child, Jo.

Just because it's born doesn't mean the work is done.

Uh, no, I understand, but why New York?

Well, because the major American publisher's located in New York…

[Mr. Little] and it helps to… how do you say, press the flesh.

[inhales] So, I've met with a number of major publishers,

and the response does seem to be favorable.

So, there's definitely interest.

[Mr. Little] Today's the day we find out.

[Joanne] Keep me posted, okay?

Will do.

Yes. Well, I'm sorry you don't feel more strongly about it.

Correct, that is the current offer on the table.

Yes, I do realize it's a lot of money for a children's book.

I believe that Harry Potter is going to be one of those books

that children keep on their bookshelves long after they've grown up.

Yes, that's exactly what Valentine said.

And then, they outbid you.

[horn honks]

Do you have a nine?

-[Joanne while chomping] A nine. -A nine.

-[chomping continues] -[Diane] I have eight.

-[chuckles proudly] -Why hasn't he called yet?

[Diane inhales deeply] Uh, my darling, I don't know.

-[telephone ringing] -[Joanne] Uh--

-[phone beeps] -Hello?

[Mr. Little] Good evening, Jo! It's Chris.

Hi, Chris.

[Mr. Little] You're going to be getting a phone call tomorrow morning

from Arthur Levine at Scholastic books.

Be nice to him. He's just bought

the American publishing rights to your book.

How much?

[Mr. Little] Well, I don't wanna alarm you,

but it was for more than we expected.

-How much more? -[Mr. Little] 105,000 dollars.

-[gasps] -[gasps in shock] What?

[Mr. Little] And incidentally, Jo…

that is more than anyone has ever been paid for a children's book.

[Joanne stutters]

I have no idea what to-- I'm speechless.

[Mr. Little] Congratulations, Jo.

And don't be scared.

Oh, thanks. I am. [chuckles nervously]

-Right. -Christopher!

-[Mr. Little] Uh, yes? -[shaky voice] Thank you so, so much.

You're welcome.

Okay, bye.

[phone beeps]

[Diane] Jo, do you realize what this means?

Your life is truly about to change.

I never dreamed they would pay that much…

-money for this-- -No, no! Not the money.

Your book is going to be published in America.

[chuckles] Oh, right!

Children everywhere are gonna read what you wrote.

Mum would be so proud of you.

[tender music]

I wish she was here.

I know.

-America! -[chuckles]

-[squeals] -[Diane] Jo!

-[both chuckle] -Oh, God!

-[loud cheering] -[crowd screaming indistinctly]

[epic music]

-[indistinct chattering nearby] -[cheering continues]

-[crowd screaming in excitement] -[applause]

[camera clicks]

[reporter] People over in America wanna know

how exciting is this night for you?

Yes, oh! Um, outside of the birth of my daughter

and the publishing of the first book, [inhales deeply]

it's definitely right up there.

When will the next Harry Potter book be published?

When I finish it, I suppose.

Did you ever expect this level of success and fame?

Not in a million years, no, never.

I just wanted to be a writer.

Tell me, what would you see if you looked in the Mirror of Erised?

[enchanting music]

Well, um…

that's gonna have to stay my secret. [soft chuckle]

-Thank you. -[camera clicks]

[enchanting music]

[car door closes]

[Joanne] I'm just gonna check on Jess, okay?

Can I leave you with this? [inhales deeply]

I'll go deal with the nanny.

[Joanne] Hey.

[whispers] Wake up, sleepy head.

[soft voice] Hello… we're home.

How was the movie?

[gasps] It was wonderful!

I'll take you, okay?

-Okay. -[Joanne whispers] Okay.

Will you read to me?

Well, it's very late.

But yes, I will.

Grandma's book?

Again?

[Joanne chuckles]

[whispers] All right.

[soft music]

[female reporter] What would you see if you looked into the Mirror of Erised?

[tender music]

Mum!

I'm coming.

[Joanne] Okay.

I've got it!

Chapter One, The River Bank.

The mole had been working very hard all morning,

spring-cleaning his little home.

First with brooms, then with dusters, then on ladders,

and steps and chairs.

With a brush and a pail of whitewash till he had dust

in his throat and eyes and splashes of whitewash

all over his black fur and an aching back.

[soft music]

And weary arms, springs moving in the air above…

[happy music]

[soft guitar music]

[typewriter clicking]

[soft guitar music]