Purple Rain Behind The Scenes

Throughout his "Triple Threat" Tour, Prince was often seen writing in, what legend has it, was a purple notebook. In the spring of 1983, he and William Blinn began work on a screenplay entitled "Dreams". Blinn and Prince would send their revisions back and forth to each other while Prince was on tour. One of the things that Prince wanted was that the word "purple" be in the title and the seeds that would one day become "Purple Rain" were planted. The original script was a much darker story revolving around The Kid who was torn between life (i.e; gratuitous sex scenes and dynamic live performances) and death (in this version of the film, The Kid’s father murders his wife and then commits suicide). As a result, the original version of the script had to be lightened up some to get the "R" rating from the X rating they would have given the original version.

The fight scences had to be taken out as the censors said they were too violent.

The part played by Apollonia was allegedly written for Prince's ex-girlfriend Vanity, lead singer of group Vanity 6 and star of such 80's classics as "The Last Dragon" and "Action Jackson". She is actually listed by name in the script. Legend states that, after a fall-out between them, Vanity was replaced for the part with Apollonia Kotero. Truth is, that Vanity was not his girlfriend ever. It simply made for good publicity. Vanity was let go allegedly because of her rampant drug use at the time. Appolonia also stated years later that she was asked not to date anyone during the time of Purple Rain so that a relationship with Price could be speculated upon. And may even have been asked to break up with her boyfriend (allegedly David Lee Roth).

In regards to Vanity being Prince's ex-girlfriend. Indeed she and Prince dated prior to Purple Rain, but due to her new found fame as an actress the relationship failed. Prince's only real girlfriend from Purple Rain was Susan Moonsie (Vanity 6 and Apollonia 6 fame) they dated in junior high when she was just 13. She reportedly started dating one of his cohorts and that gentleman brought her back to Prince's attention, to put her with the girl group. During production the 2 had nothing to do with one another due to their past relationship. That is why The Time took credit for putting Apollonia 6 together. VH1 tried to do a 'Where are they now' on Apollonia 6 but Susan (who is now a housewife) chose not to participate.

Jennifer Beals (from "Flashdance" was offered the part eventually played by Apollonia, but turned down the role because the movie clashed with her schedule at yale.

Apollonia was actually married at the time of Purple Rain, but was sworn to secrecy about it, so that people would really think she and Prince were a couple.

Prince did most of his own bike riding next to a camera truck.

Most of Prince's dance moves are his own personal tribute to James Brown.

Wendy Melvoin, guitarist for The Revolution was 19 at the time of filming, Brown Mark, the bassist was 20.

By the time Purple Rain was released in 1984 Morris Day and Prince were not even speaking to each other due to disagreements over "creative differences". Many people don't know that Jesse Johnson (of The Time) and Prince used to argue ALL the time!

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