A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries 1998

Bill Willis (a renowned American novelist and World War II veteran) and his free-spirited wife Marcella reside in Paris during the 1960s, surrounded by their loving family. This vibrant trio, adored by their friends at the city’s chic cocktail parties, is rounded out by their six-year-old daughter Channe (Charlotte Anne), a sweet and spirited young girl. Despite her deep longing for another child, Marcella faces the heartbreaking reality of multiple miscarriages, leaving their family circle somewhat incomplete. However, fate brings a new addition to their lives when they take in Benoit, a shy and hesitant six-year-old French boy who has been shuttled through various orphanages and foster homes. Initially, Benoit struggles to unpack his suitcase due to the fear of rejection that has defined his life thus far. Yet, he is pleasantly surprised by the warmth and love that envelop him in his new home, eventually asking his adoptive father Bill to change his name to Billy.

As Billy becomes acclimated to his new family, Channe begins to turn to her stalwart Portuguese nanny, Candida, seeking solace from the uncertainties of growing up. Initially, she finds herself feeling jealous of her new brother Billy, but she soon warms up to him, inviting him to join her in bed after he experiences a minor mishap. Marcella takes a bold stand against a stern teacher who has been taking an unfair approach with her son, and Channe becomes increasingly aware of the cultural contrasts that exist around her - from the boisterous American visitors who come to town to the flirtatious circle of friends that surrounds her parents.

As Billy and Channe enter their teenage years, they form strong bonds. Channe develops a particularly close friendship with Francis Fortescue, a flamboyantly effeminate young man with a passion for opera. Despite having no father figure in his life, Francis resides with his eccentric expatriate British mother, offering guidance and support to the adventurous Channe as she begins to test her independence. Meanwhile, Candida is forced to confront her own fears when her long-suffering African boyfriend, Mamadou, proposes marriage to her. As Channe starts to explore her interest in other boys, she gradually distances herself from Francis, who confesses his secret crush on her.

The family’s idyllic life in Paris is disrupted when Bill Willis announces his plans to return to the United States, seeking medical treatment for his heart condition. This decision marks a significant turning point in their lives, as they must confront the reality of leaving behind the city and culture that have become such an integral part of who they are.

As the 1970s dawned over New England’s rolling hills, the family’s tranquil existence was beset by the specter of uncertainty. Bill’s (name) failing health cast a long shadow over their lives, while Marcella’s addiction to the bottle threatened to derail the fragile balance they had struck. Meanwhile, their children, Channe and Billy, struggled to find their footing in an American high school that seemed more interested in tearing them down than building them up.

Billy, shy and introverted, became a target for bullies who delighted in his awkwardness, leaving him feeling isolated and alone. Channe, however, adopted a more brazen approach to coping with the pressures of adolescence, surrendering her innocence in exchange for fleeting connections with boys her own age. But when she met Keith, a kindred spirit who became her steady beau, Channe’s heart began to beat to a different rhythm.

As Bill delved deeper into his latest literary endeavor, his concerns about the future of his family only intensified. He knew that his time on this earth was limited, and he worried about leaving behind a legacy that would honor his loved ones. Billy’s adoption, once a source of pride for their family, now seemed to be coming back to haunt them in the form of a mysterious diary written by his biological mother during her teenage pregnancy.

The boy had always been curious about his origins, but it wasn’t until Bill’s passing that he was finally given the chance to uncover the truth. Marcella, still reeling from her loss, handed Billy the diary with the hope that it would bring him solace and understanding. However, Billy was more interested in finding a way to connect with his grief-stricken mother than exploring his own past.

As the days turned into weeks, Channe found herself drawn back to the world of words, helping her father complete his novel in the months leading up to its publication. In the midst of their grieving process, the family came together one evening to put on some music and let loose. As they twirled across the dance floor, Billy couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the diary that had been lying dormant for so long, little knowing that it would soon become an integral part of his own journey towards self-discovery.