Prince & Apollonia (November 21, 1983) – “Purple Rain” Filming Begins This Week

Columnist Barbara Flanagan reports that Minneapolis’s own Prince is set to become a movie star, with high-fashion model Apollonia (Apollonia Van Ravenstein) rumored to co-star in Purple Rain. Filming of Prince’s first feature film is scheduled to begin that week at key ocations including First Avenue, 7th Street, and 1st Avenue North.

Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Star Tribune)

Date: Monday, November 21, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Barbara Flanagan column

THE STORY

The article announces Prince’s transition to film and introduces Apollonia as the potential leading lady — describing her as a flamboyant Dutch model known for dramatic poses reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich. It notes she has appeared in two films, including the yet-to-be-released Nothing Lasts Forever with Dan Aykroyd. Flanagan adds a humorous, slightly skeptical note about whether Apollonia can sing and quips that Prince might lose his voice at the sight of her.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This piece was published right as principal photography on Purple Rain was beginning in Minneapolis (late November 1983). Apollonia 6 had replaced Vanity 6, and Apollonia Kotero (not Van Ravenstein) ultimately took the female lead role — though early rumors sometimes mixed up names or backgrounds. The mention of specific filming locations (First Avenue, etc.) aligns with the iconic club scenes central to the movie.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Announcement of Purple Rain start of production + Apollonia casting rumor

Era: Early Purple Rain production (1983) Tone: Chatty, local-gossip style with Barbara Flanagan’s signature wit Photography: Black & white portrait of Barbara Flanagan at the top

Visual Motifs: Classic newspaper column layout with bold headline box

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Confirmation that Purple Rain filming was imminent (starting the week of November 21, 1983)

• Early media buzz and speculation around the female lead (Apollonia)

• Local pride in Prince’s rising Hollywood ambitions mixed with playful skepticism

RELATED MATERIAL

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