Purple Rain Movie (July 26, 1984)

Jon Bream reports on the star-studded Hollywood premiere of Purple Rain at the Mann Chinese Theatre, followed by a lavish purple-themed party at the Palace. Celebrities, fans, and industry figures turned out as Prince’s hometown film took Hollywood by storm. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Saturday, July 28, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Page 7C) Byline: Jon Bream, Staff Writer THE STORY The article captures the electric atmosphere of th

Major pre-release coverage on the eve of the film’s opening, describing Purple Rain as Prince’s “emotional biography” and “ultimate creative gesture.” Extensive details on production, cast, script development, and the team behind the project. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Wednesday, July 25, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Pages 1C & 6C) Byline: Jon Bream (main articles) THE STORY The spread includes: “Film is ‘emotional biography’”: Deep

“In the wings” column provides one of the most detailed local updates yet on Prince’s upcoming film and soundtrack. The movie, filmed last fall in the Twin Cities, is expected in late summer. The soundtrack album drops June 18. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Sunday, May 20, 1984 Country: United States Section: In the wings (Page 6G) Byline: Jon Bream THE STORY The article breaks the long media silence with a comprehensive overview: Plot:

Jon Bream announces Sheila E. as Prince’s latest protégé with her debut single “The Glamorous Life” now out on Warner Bros. Prince’s new album Purple Rain (the soundtrack to his upcoming movie) is set for release on June 18, with the film possibly arriving in theaters in July. Prince’s new single “When Doves Cry” drops this week, while The Time’s “Ice Cream Castle” single arrives May 30. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, May 13, 1984 Country: United Stat

One final note: Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (which bestows the Grammys). Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Prince Update column “Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Scien

Purple Rain has been edited down to under two hours, but Prince still needs to film one remaining scene with his on-screen love interest, Apollonia (née Patty Kotero). Additional notes on Apollonia’s background, a song sent to Sheena Easton, Wendy Melvoin’s connection to Prince’s band, and Prince and the Revolution topping the Village Voice critics’ poll. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Pri

Local coverage notes that Prince’s first movie, Purple Rain, was completed during the holidays in chilly downtown Minneapolis. It also reports that the superstar may appear in a major Hollywood film about blues legend Robert Johnson, alongside Mick Jagger and others, starring Eartha Kitt and Ben Vereen. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Wednesday, February 1, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment news brief THE STORY The brief celebrates Prince as a

Jon Bream reports that Prince’s $6 million film Purple Rain has been filmed under tight secrecy since November 5, with a strict media embargo and extras required to sign agreements not to discuss the project. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Monday, December 19, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Page 4C) Byline: Jon Bream, Staff Writer THE STORY The article details the highly secretive production of Purple Rain. Despite the closed sets and non

Prince and his cast and crew have finished shooting the concert scenes last week at First Avenue. The filming is expected to wrap up this week at a studio in Eden Prairie. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, December 18, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Brief news item THE STORY A concise update reporting that the major concert sequences at the iconic First Avenue club have been completed, with principal photography scheduled to conclu

“‘Purple Rain’ cast outfitted locally” — The film, currently being shot in the Twin Cities, outfitted around 100 extras at local Minneapolis stores including J.J. Flash, Pants Plus, and The Arcade. The hottest item: colorful nylon peg-legged pants. Publication: Minneapolis Star and TribuneDate: Wednesday, November 23, 1983 Country: United States Section: Off the cuff / Bonnie Miller Rubin (Page 2C) THE STORY The article highlights how the Purple Rain production sourced costum