The Temptations (1998) (TV)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

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:

Boom mic visible: When Johnnie Mae rips Otis Williams and the Distants off, Al's microphone is hanging out of his pants when they are all standing in the alley.

Quotes:

[During a concert break, Paul rushes off stage into the bathroom, coughs and throws up]
Shelly Berger: That was a disaster.
Melvin Franklin: Yeah, Shelly, we know. All right?
Shelly Berger: The next set's in 45 minutes. There's no way he'll be ready.
Eddie Kendricks: He'll be ready.
Shelly Berger: Falling down drunk doesn't get better in 45 minutes, Eddie. You know what we have to do, Otis...
Eddie Kendricks: No! If Paul's not on that stage, I'm not on that stage.
Shelly Berger: The Temptations are known for precision, Eddie. I don't know what that was, but that wasn't it.
Eddie Kendricks: What's it to you, Shelley? You ain't up there.
Shelly Berger: I might as well be. Mr. Gordy holds me responsible for everything that goes on out there.
[...]

Movie Connections:

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

this is an excellent film.an instant classic.

I have not been so emotionally involved in a television film in a long time,but along comes this charming,insightful,and wonderful film. The cast does a superb job. I never knew much about the temps, one of the greatest groups of all time, had so much strife and personal pain.This movie is an instant classic. I have a much better appreciation for their impact on rock and roll history after seeing this movie.