Prince (December 19, 1983) – “Prince keeping movie shrouded in mystery”

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-disclosure agreements, some information leaked: the film is directed by Al Magnoli, produced by Cavallo, Ruffalo and Fargnoli, and written by Magnoli and William Blinn.

The plot involves Prince’s character trying to unseat Morris Day as the king of the local rock scene, ultimately winning the heart of Day’s girlfriend (played by Apollonia, née Patty Kotero). The Time portray themselves, and the story was originally intended for Vanity.

Publicist Bonnie Metzger initially explained the media blackout due to many first-time actors, later noting that closed sets are common in Hollywood. Local media were largely kept out, though some national outlets managed to sneak in.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This article appeared the day after the December 18 wrap-up report. It captures the intense secrecy surrounding the production, which was unusual for a local film. By mid-December, filming was nearly complete, and the “mystery” approach helped build anticipation for the 1984 release. The piece also corrects/clarifies casting details (Apollonia replacing Vanity).

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Coverage of Purple Rain production secrecy and details Era: Late Purple Rain production (1983) Tone: Intrigued and slightly frustrated local journalism

Photography: Large, striking black & white portrait of Prince (headshot with intense gaze, signature look, wearing a dark jacket and jewelry)

Visual Motifs: Bold headline, two-column layout with photo dominating the right side

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Prince’s commitment to controlling the narrative around his first major film

• Confirmation of key production details (director, producers, writer, plot outline, casting)

• Tension between the tight-lipped production and local/national media interest

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RELATED MATERIAL

This follows the December 18 wrap announcement (concert scenes done at First Avenue, final studio work in Eden Prairie). It builds on the entire November–December series covering pre-production, start of filming, costuming, and local buzz.

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

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