The Temptations (1998) (TV)

Director:

Allan Arkush

Writers (WGA):

Robert Johnson (teleplay) and
Kevin Arkadie (teleplay)

Release Date:

1 November 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Tagline:

The unforgettable story of one of Motown's hottest acts.

Plot:

Biography of the singers who formed the hit Motown muisical act, The Temptations.

Plot Keywords:

Motown | Singer | 1960s | Soul Music | Record Producer

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 13 nominations

Cast

Charles Malik Whitfield	...	Otis Williams
D.B. Woodside	...	Melvin Franklin
Terron Brooks	...	Eddie Kendricks
Christian Payton	...	Paul Williams
Leon	...	David Ruffin
Alan Rosenberg	...	Shelly Berger
Tina Lifford	...	Haze
Jenifer Lewis	...	Mama Rose
Gina Ravera	...	Josephine
Obba Babatundé	...	Berry Gordy
Erik Michael Tristan	...	Smokey Robinson
J. August Richards	...	Richard Street
Harold Surratt	...	Edgar
Charles Ley	...	Dennis Edwards
Vanessa Bell Calloway	...	Johnnie Mae Matthews

Runtime:

USA:150 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Company:

De Passe Entertainment

Trivia:

Otis Williams' ex-wife Josephine, Melvin Franklin's mother Rose, and David Ruffin's family, filed suit against Williams, Motown, De Passe Entertainment, Hallmark Entertainment, and NBC for use of their likenesses in the film, defamation of character, and emotional distress. The plaintiffs claimed that they and/or their relatives and certain events were portrayed inaccurately. The judges ruled in favor of the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed but the original ruling was upheld. Otis Williams later stated that while his book was the source material for the film, he did not have control over the making of the film.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The beginning of the film is supposed to take place in 1958, yet the song played over the opening credits is "I Just Can't Help It" by Jackie Wilson, a record that was recorded and released in 1962.

Quotes:

[Melvin is in the hospital after being shot by a carjacker who stole his car]
Melvin Franklin: He shot me, then he recognized me, and then he kicked my butt out of MY car.
Otis Williams: Was it Ruffin?
[they both laugh]
Melvin Franklin: No, Ruffin would've killed me.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1999) (TV)

"Wonderfully acted depiction of the greatest soul group in history.

I was delighted by this movie. Not only is it largely educational and offers very introspective looks into the lives of all members of the group, but the acting is fantastic. The film truly captures the soul music scene of early 1960's Detroit, and further on as the Temptations rise to fame, and fall to ruin. It offers breathtaking and somewhat disturbing scenes which make the film seem almost too real. The soundtrack is amazing, and you will truly sympathize with this group of real-life legends who sang their hearts out in Motown's heyday.