Piaf (1982)

Intro

A play adapted for television, and first broadcast on 9 June 1982 (The Entertainment Channel).

Photos

Overview

This programme is a television adaptation of the US theatre production Piaf. It features cast members from the stage show and was recorded in front of an audience.

Piaf examines the life of legendary French singer Edith Piaf, from the late 1920s until 1963 (the year in which the singer died). Far from being a glamorous portrait, the biodrama offers an unflinching exploration of the tension between the singer's private and public life, particularly in the light of her working-class roots.

Cast

David Leary ... Emcee / Manager, also known as Henri

Jane Lapotaire ... Piaf

Peter Friedman ... `Papa` Leplee, owner of Cluny Club

Zoe Wanamaker ... Toine

Nicholas Woodeson ... Emil, maitre d` at Cluny Club

Lewis Arlt ... Jacques, a thug

Robert Christian ... Eddie, a thug

Michael Ayr ... Little Louis, a thug

David Purdham ... Paul, man with rose

Kenneth Welsh ... Georges

Stephen Davies ... Pierre, on bicycle; later, Piaf`s agent

Jean Smart ... Marlene

Lewis Arlt ... Angelo

Sherry Steiner ... Nurse

Crew

Writer: Pam Gems
Director: Gary Halvorson
Producer: Bill Siegler
Music Director: Michael Dansicker

Notes

Following the TV broadcast, Piaf was released on video, though this is now a very rare item.

Another television adaptation of a stage production in which Zoe appears is Othello (1990).

Merchandise

Piaf by Pam Gems

Piaf NTSC format video