Prince “Purple Rain” (May 20, 1984) – Detailed Pre-Release Overview

“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: A love story about a struggling musician (Prince as “The Kid”), his rival Morris Day of The Time, and the young lady (Apollonia Kotero) both pursue.

• Cast: Prince, Morris Day, Apollonia Kotero (24-year-old from Santa Monica), members of Apollonia 6, The Time, and Prince’s band (Bobby Z., Dr. Fink, Lisa Coleman, Mark Brown, Wendy Melvoin, etc.). Supporting roles include Jerome Benton, Clarence Williams, and others.

• Filming Locations: Primarily First Avenue, plus Union Bar, Marquette Inn, Crystal Court, IDS Center, Cedar Lake Yard, and outdoor scenes in Henderson, Eagan, Lake Elmo, and downtown Minneapolis.

• Production: Directed by Albert Magnoli, produced by Bob Cavallo, Joe Ruffalo, and Steve Fargnoli.

• Soundtrack: Releasing June 18 with nine Prince tracks, plus “Sex Shooter” (Apollonia 6), “The Bird” and “Jungle Love” (The Time), and “Father’s Song.”

• Distribution: Warner Bros.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published exactly one month before the album release and roughly two months before the film’s theatrical debut, this is a major local “everything you need to know” preview. It reflects growing excitement as the secrecy around the project lifted.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Major pre-release feature on Purple Rain film + soundtrack

Era: Pre-Purple Rain explosion (May 1984)

Tone: Informative, enthusiastic hometown coverage

Photography: Large prominent still of Prince on a motorcycle (dramatic, smoky club/garage setting)

Visual Motifs: Filmstrip header, photo-centered layout with extensive text

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• First detailed public breakdown of plot, full cast, filming locations, and soundtrack contents

• Confirmation of the June 18 album release date

• Strong local pride in the Minneapolis-made production and its authentic Twin Cities roots (First Avenue, etc.)

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RELATED MATERIAL

Follows the May 13, 1984 brief announcing the June 18 album date and “When Doves Cry” single. It builds directly on the March editing update and December 1983 wrap reports.

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

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