It's 12:00 noon in London.

7:00 a.m. in Philadelphia.

And around the world, it's time for Live Aid.

Wembley welcomes their Royal Highnesses... the Prince and Princess of Wales.

David, look at me.

Oi! You missed one, Pakkie!

I'm not from Pakistan.

Dinner is ready.

I'm not hungry, Mum.

Hmm, where are you going?

Out with friends. A girl?

Oh, Mum. Look at you.

Give your mother a kiss.

I'm going to be late.

You're always late.

Hi, Papa. How was work?

Out again, Farrokh?

It's Freddie now, Papa.

Freddie or Farrokh... what difference does it make when you're out every night... no thought of the future in your head?

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

That's what you should aspire to.

Yes.

And how's that worked out for you?

Yeah, they're better than last week.

They're a cool band. Yeah, not bad.

Yeah.

What can I get for you?

Pint of lager.

Thank you. Thanks.

See you, mate.

Humpy Bong?

Humpy Bong.

They're going places. They're gonna be big.

Humpy Bong? Are you joking?

Don't do it, Tim.

No, I'm sorry, guys, but... we're not going anywhere with this.

What? College gigs, pubs?

Gotta give it a go.

So I just said to him, "No, you can't do that."

You literally can't hear anything.

It's a bit silly.

But then everyone else was in, like, long dresses?

How bizarre.

You all right?

Sorry. Oh, I was just looking for the band.

They're usually out back.

I like your coat.

It's from Biba.

She works there.

Thank you.

I think he's right.

That show was a load of bollocks.

Well, there was room for improvement, yeah.

I've got better things to do with my Saturday nights.

I could give you their names.

I enjoyed the show.

Thanks, man. Thank you.

I've been following you for a while, actually.

Smile.

Makes sense for a dental student.

And you're astrophysics, aren't you?

Yeah. Makes you the clever one.

Yeah, I suppose it does, yeah.

I study design here.

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

Also, um, I write songs.

Might be of interest to you.

It's just a bit of fun, really.

Well, you're five minutes too late.

Our lead singer just quit.

Well, then you'll need someone new.

Any ideas?

What about me?

Uh, not with those teeth, mate.

♪ I know what I'm doin'

♪ I got a feeling

♪ I should be doin' all right

♪ Doin' all right ♪

I was born with four additional incisors.

More space in my mouth means more range.

I'll consider your offer.

Uh, do you play  bass?

Nope.

Excuse me. Thanks.

So, you found me, then.

How can I help you? Oh.

Um, I rather liked these.

Do you think you have them in my size?

This is the ladies' section, so I'm not exactly sure.

There wasn't a sign or anything.

I don't think it should really matter, do you?

I thought you might like this.

Are you even allowed to be in here?

No, not really.

One more thing.

May I?

You have such an exotic look.

I love your style.

I think we should all take more risks.

What do you think?

Oh, cheers. Thank you.

Hello, everybody.

We've got a few fresh faces.

This is <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON>, our bass player.

Yeah, and our new lead singer...

Freddie Bul... Bulsara...

Freddie Bulsara.

That's right.

And Roger, of course. The biggest member of them all.

Hey, Roger!

Hello, all you beautiful people.

Where's Tim?

Who's the Pakkie?

Ready, Freddie?

Let's do it.

♪ Keep yourself alive

♪ I was told a million times Of all the troubles in my way

♪ Mind you grow a little wiser Little better every day

♪ But if I rode a million rivers

♪ And I crossed a million miles No, no.

♪ Still be where I started Wrong lyric!

♪ Bread and butter for a smile Wrong lyric.

♪ Sold a million mirrors In shopping alley ways

♪ But I never saw my face In any window any day

♪ Now they say your folks are telling you

♪ Be a super star

♪ Tell you, just be satisfied

♪ And stay right where you are

♪ Keep yourself alive Keep yourself alive

♪ All you people Keep yourself alive ♪ Learn the song, Freddie.

You're late.

This is bollocks!

It's counterclockwise, I think you'll find, John.

Oh, is it? Thank you, Brian.

Would you like to do it? Please, feel free.

No, no, no. Doing a good job.

We sold out every pub and uni south of Glasgow... and I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere, eating a ham sandwich!

Trouble is, we're just not thinking big enough.

What have you got in mind, Fred?

An  album.

We can't afford an album.

Oh, we'll find a way.

How much do you think we can get for this van?

I hope you're joking.

That's three months' wages.

And a perfectly good van.

Don't be so dramatic, darling.

You're recording an album tonight. Let's go!

Don't you think I sound like shit?

No, it's good.

Can we try it again? Sure, yeah.

Sure, it's your money.

Literally.

Sounds a lot better.

We need to get experimental.

Try bouncing us left and right for the ah-ah-ahs.

Now dead center for the last.

And then blast it!

Yes!

That's good, right?

Do we have time to stack a few more?

The studio opens at 8:00, so we got 30 more minutes.

Hmm.

That sounds good, right? Yeah.

Oi, RT, who are these kids in the box?

A student band doing some weird stuff.

How about demos? You got some?

Been up all night, mate.

So the new name is Queen?

As in "Her Royal Highness."

And because it's outrageous... and I can't think of anyone more outrageous than me.

This is the most impractical bed.

That's beautiful.

Think it has potential.

I have to go to work. I simply won't allow it.

You're going to support me if I get fired?

I'll always look after you.

I'm going to...

I'm going to be late.

How beautiful you are.

When I was a little girl...

I used to run around the house and hide and... he couldn't find me.

Clever girl.

Please tell your father it's nice to meet him.

I have.

Then thank him for the lovely birthday cake.

I have.

Then tell him his daughter's an epic shag.

Freddie, he can read lips.

Mary...

I can't tell you how long I have waited for Farrokh... to bring home a nice girl like you.

Farrokh?

Did Farrokh not tell you he was born in Zanzibar?

No, he did not. I used to know a girl who was Zanzibari. One minute.

I thought Freddie was born in London.

Oh, he was. At the age of 18. Shut up.

Our family is Indian Parsee.

Mum. Mum, Mum. Mary...

Mum. Mum, please...

Here. Have a look at these.

Yes. Yeah. Please! Please.

No stopping. We need to see those.

A thousand years ago, the Parsees fled to India from Persia... to escape Muslim persecution.

Really? That's terrible.

So why did you leave Zanzibar?

We didn't leave.

He's so small.

We were chased out with just the clothes on our backs.

He was quite a good boxer, actually.

He had to be.

His opponents went for his teeth always trying to punch them in.

Certainly a target.

So how old is he in this photo?

I think three or four years old.

Really? Boxing already at that age?

So good.

Mercury?

No looking back.

Only forward.

So now the family name's not good enough for you?

It's just a stage name.

No, it's not.

I changed it legally.

Got a new passport and everything.

Kash, how old are you here?

I don't know.

It was before Freddie went off to boarding school.

I sent Farrokh away to make a good Parsee boy of him.

He was too wild and unruly.

But what good did it do?

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

You can't get anywhere pretending to be someone you're not.

Who'd like some cake?

Cake is always good.

Hello?

Just a moment.

Freddie Mercury.

Phone call.

Quite like the sound of that.

Freddie tells me that you're some sort of a scientist.

Astrophysics, actually. Oh.

Yeah, my father would've preferred it if I continued.

When? That's very clever.

He's a dentist. I was never a dentist.

That's a picture I want to see.

He's a dentist.

I see.

That's also quite clever, actually.

Kash... what are you doing later?

Homework.

Just making conversation.

What kind of  music was he listening to back in those days?

Uh, he was listening to Little Richard.

Very good. Richard, yeah.

And his first band...

I have an announcement.

One of the A&R men... from EMI saw us recording.

Gave our demo to John Reid.

He looks after Elton John.

Oh, my God.

Mr. Reid wants to meet us... and possibly, even manage us.

Shut up. You're joking!

Oh, my God!

You're sure he said 12 o'clock?

Yes. "Midday at the pub, don't be drunk."

That's what he said.

You look a bit nervous, Brian.

John, I'm fine.

You're usually so particular.

You just gotta be cool.

Wow! w*nk*r.

I didn't know it was fancy dress, Fred.

I've gotta make an impression, darling.

You look like an angry lizard.

It's your best work. Very subtle.

You gonna fly away?

Can I borrow it for Sunday church?

So, this is Queen.

And you must be Freddie Mercury.

You've got a gift.

You all have.

So tell me... what makes Queen any different from all the other wannabe rock stars I meet?

I'll tell you what it is.

We're four misfits who don't belong together, playing to the other misfits.

The outcasts right at the back of the room... who are pretty sure they don't belong either.

We belong to them.

We're a family.

But no two of us are the same.

Paul.

Paul Prenter... meet Queen... our new signing.

Paul will be looking after your day-to-day.

Pleasure.

If I can get you on the radio... maybe I can get you on television.

Top of the Pops? Hopefully.

And then?

And then... it's only the biggest television program in the country.

No one's ever even heard of you.

Look, I admire your enthusiasm.

If it goes well, if it happens...

I've got a promotional tour of Japan in mind.

We'll want more.

Every band wants more.

Every band's not Queen.

Listen, I understand. Hurry up.

I understand that it's the policy of the BBC.

We have procedures. This is shit!

I need you to explain it to the band, please.

Okay, let's make it quick. Freddie, boys.

Look, chaps, it is going to be playback.

Lip synch's all that's required.

We do know how to play our instruments.

You want me to lip synch?

I don't understand why we can't simply perform live.

The audience will never know the difference.

We'll know the bloody difference.

This is the BBC.

That's how things are done around here. All right?

Don't be a nuisance.

Freddie, it'll be great.

You'll just have to make sure no one's looking at your lips.

Well, the way things are done are a load of bollocks, old chap.

This is the BBC.

I'm relieved.

You would be.

Perfect performance.

♪ She's a k*ller Queen

♪ Gunpowder, gelatine

♪ Dynamite with a laser beam

♪ Guaranteed to blow your mind

♪ Anytime

Number two, only above the waist.

Camera up!

Camera two! No one wants to see this while they're eating their meal.

♪ Drop of a hat she's as willing as

♪ Playful as a p*ssy cat

♪ Momentarily out of action

♪ Temporarily out of gas ♪

♪ To absolutely drive you wild, wild ♪

What was it like singing for all those people?

When I know they're listening... when I know I really have them...

I couldn't sing off-key if I tried.

I'm exactly the person I was always meant to be.

I'm not afraid of anything.

The only other time I ever feel that way is when I'm with you.

Don't move.

Don't move.

You're the love of my life.

Freddie.

Which finger do I put this on?

Wedding finger.

Will you marry me?

Yes!

Are you gonna leave it in the box?

Freddie, it's beautiful.

I love it.

Promise me you'll never take it off.

Oh, I promise.

No matter what.

I love you, Freddie.

You're going to do such great things.

We're going to do great things.

Your phone's off the hook.

This is Crystal.

Cheryl!

Oh, that's right. My mistake.

Where's your loo?

Uh, just down the hall.

Oh, come on in. Make yourselves at home.

Don't mind us.

Hello, Mary. How's your dad?

Yeah, pretty well. Thanks.

Good. What's going on, Brian?

Well, if you'd answered your phone, you'd know already.

This really isn't a good time, guys.

John Reid called today.

He has a little tour in mind for us.

It's not little, Brian.

He's booked us a tour of America.

The  album's hit the charts in the U.S.!

Oh, yes!

Yes!

Yes!

It's happening!

Now, who wants to take a ride?

We love you, Cleveland!

We love you, Houston!

We love you, Denver! Very happy to be here!

And are the crowds big?

Well, we're selling out every night.

I just wish you were here to see it.

They really love us.

We love you, Portland!

He's got a big ass, too!

We love you, New Orleans!

We love you, Atlanta!

Rog, come down here and say hello.

We love you, Pittsburgh!

Roger! Now, hit it!

I'm good. I just miss you.

What are you doing?

You can't possibly be having any fun without me.

Nothing as exciting as America.

Say hi to the boys for me.

I will. Love you.

Bye, Freddie. I love you.

Hello.

You're late. Am I?

We saved you a seat.

Lovely. Okay.

So, now that we're all here...

Jim, this is <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON>.

Ray, this is the band's lawyer, Jim Beach.

Hello.

You must stop calling him that.

That's his name.

No, we cannot keep calling him "Jim Beach."

No, that's absurd, not to mention, unspeakably boring.

Miami.

From now on, I dub thee "Miami Beach."

The sun always sets behind you, doesn't it?

On Miami Beach.

Hmm, right.

Now that everybody's got an acceptable name... let's get to it. Look... we just really need something special.

More hits... like k*ller Queen... only bigger.

It's not bloody widgets we're making.

We can't just reproduce k*ller Queen.

No.

We can do better.

It's opera.

Opera! Opera!

There seems to be an echo in here.

See, we don't want to repeat ourselves.

The same formula over and over.

Formulas are a complete and utter waste of time.

Formulas work.

Let's stick with the formulas.

I like formulas.

We'll call the album...

A Night at the Opera.

Are you aware that no one actually likes opera?

I like opera.

Do you? I do.

No, don't misunderstand, darling.

It's a rock and roll record... with the scale of opera... the pathos of Greek tragedy... the wit of Shakespeare... the unbridled joy of  musical theater.

It's a musical experience. Yeah.

Rather than just another record.

Something for everyone... something...

Hmm.

Something that will make people feel belongs to them.

We'll mix genres, we'll cross boundaries... we'll speak in bloody tongues if we want to.

There's no musical ghetto that can contain us.

That's it. No one knows what Queen means because it doesn't mean one thing.

What do you think, John?

I... agree with the band.

Of course you do.

How about you, uh...

Miami. Hmm.

Fortune favors the bold.

Surely, a man of your... unique taste... isn't afraid of a little risk?

Please don't make me regret this.

You're fun.

Recording studio?

Well, the idea was to get away from all distractions.

Right, I know it's not the Ritz. Not even close.

Roger, you're in here. Right.

Freddie, this is you. Biggest room.

Brian, that's you.

John, you're downstairs.

And... this is all yours, John.

Smaller rooms don't get nearly as cold.

Okay.

Hmm.

Oh, that's really good.

♪ Love of my life, you've hurt me

♪ You've broken my heart

♪ And now you leave me

♪ Love of my life, can't you see?

♪ Bring it back, bring it back

♪ Bring it back, bring it back

♪ Don't take it away from me

♪ Because you don't know

♪ What it means to me ♪

Hmm.

It's beautiful.

What's it called?

Love of My Life. I wrote it for Mary.

If you say so.

Don't misunderstand, Paul.

Mary knows me in a way that no one else ever will.

I know you, Freddie Mercury.

Is that what you think?

Oh, no, you don't know me.

You just see what you want to see.

We work together. That's all.

I put my heart and soul into this song.

No one is disputing that.

And you don't like it because you want your songs on the  album!

It's not that, Roger. Then what is it?

I'm in Love with My Car.

Maybe it's not strong enough?

What does that even mean, "not strong enough"?

I know I'm late. What did I miss?

Discussing Roger's car song.

Is it strong enough? That's all I'm asking.

If I'm on my own here, then I apologize.

How does your new song go, then, hmm?

"You call me sweet...

"like I'm some kind of cheese."

It's good. Wow.

"When my hand's on your grease g*n..."

That's very subtle, isn't it?

It's a metaphor, Brian.

It's just a bit weird, Roger.

What exactly are you doing with that car?

Children, please.

We could all m*rder each other... but then who would be left to record this album?

Statistically speaking, most bands don't fail, they break up.

Why the hell would you say something like that?

Roger, there's only room in this band for one hysterical queen.

You know why you're angry, Roger?

Why?

'Cause you know your song isn't strong enough.

Not... Is that strong enough?

What about that?

Not the coffee machine!

♪ Goodbye, everybody

♪ I've got to go

♪ Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth

♪ Mama Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

♪ I don't wanna die

♪ I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all ♪

What next?

That was pretty damn good.

Brilliant. I love that.

Press the button, Freddie.

I know, I know where it is.

I know where... Knock, knock.

Good.

It's good. Um...

You know, play it like you wrote it.

Well, I did. I wrote that part.

Taking the piss.

Okay. Are you happy?

I think it's beautiful.

It's almost perfect.

Almost?

Yes, give it more rock and roll.

I'm always up for that, Fred.

Put your body into it.

Right. Okay.

Put my body into it. I got it.

Not like that.

No, I got it. I got it. Bit more soul, yeah?

All right. Give it more heart.

I'll do that. We good to go?

Roy, you good?

Oh, and then there's the operatic section.

You're gonna love it.

The operatic section?

I know, it sounds crazy. I love it, Fred. I love it.

I don't know. It could be a flop.

It could work. I love it!

What have we got to lose?

Nothing.

If you say so.

Okay, let's go.

Deacy.

How was that?

Freddie? Higher.

Can you go a bit higher?

If I go any higher, only dogs will hear me.

Try.

Freddie's note. Sorry.

Go on, roll the tape.

Overdub 24 of "Fred's Thing."

How was that?

Better? Higher.

Jesus! How many more "Galileos" do you want?

Freddie wants to do a few more overdubs.

Do we even have any tape left?

I do have to say the tape is wearing out.

It can't take much more.

Yeah, we can't afford much more.

We're already three weeks over schedule.

Dub 26 of "Fred's Thing."

One more, one more.

One more.

Again.

Go on, roll the track.

Who even is Galileo?

My nuts feel like they're in my chest right now.

Are we done? That's it.

He loves you.

That's it.

It's beautiful! Love it!

Christ.

Well...

I'm not entirely sure... that's the  album you promised us.

No, it's better than the album we promised you.

It's better than any album anyone's ever promised you, darling.

It's a bloody masterpiece.

Christ. It is a good album, Ray.

We prefer "masterpiece."

It's expensive, and as for...

"Bohemian..."

Rhapsody.

Rhapsody. What is that?

It's an epic poem. It goes on forever.

Six bloody minutes.

I pity your wife if you think six minutes is forever.

And do you know what?

We're going to release it as our single.

Not possible. Anything over three minutes... and the radio stations won't program it, period.

And what on earth is it about, anyway?

Scaramouche?

Galileo?

And all that "Ismillah" business!

"Ishmillah"?

Bismillah.

Oh, aye.

Bismillah.

What's it about, anyway? Bloody Bismillah?

True poetry is for the listener.

It ruins the mystery if everything's explained.

Seldom ruins sales.

Three minutes is the standard.

John.

Yeah, we need radio.

Format is three minutes, I have to agree with Ray.

I actually think the single's Love of My Life.

No.

Okay, how about John's song...

You're My Best Friend? You know?

"Ooh, you make me live."

Catchy, stronger.

What about I'm in Love with My Car?

You're joking! Oh, Jesus.

I love it.

Well, that's the kind of song... teenagers can crank up the volume in their car... and bang their heads to.

Bohemian Rhapsody will never be that song.

It's a band decision, Bohemian Rhapsody.

That's it. You're My Best Friend... and it's my money.

Bo-Rap, period.

Or we walk.

MacArthur Park was seven minutes long.

It was a hit.

Look, I'm not arguing Bohemian whatever's... musicianship. ...Rhapsody.

But there's no way in hell the station will play... a 6-minute quasi-operatic dirge... comprised of nonsense words!

Bismillah? Bullshit!

I paid for this record, so I say what goes! continue the script. then you (jake) says to ray. you go on about complaining how this song lasts six minutes. iron butterfly's in a gadda da vida lasts 17 minutes.