Mary still hoping to have a supremes movie made based on her book

Mary says that the problem is that it kind of already has been made in the form of DREAMGIRLS. But Mary was not pleased with that project because she never received royalties or had direct input.

The original Broadway production was not the Supremes' story. Too bad it did not have a LAW AND ORDER type of disclaimer

“The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event.”

Despite these definitive words, as anyone who has ever marathoned LAW & ORDER knows, many of said stories take direct inspiration from recent headlines. As a LAW & ORDER fan, I have seen many episodes that reminded me of incidents that happened to celebrities like Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby etc.

The DREAMGIRLS Broadway Play was probably inspired by the Supremes. But the DREAMGIRLS movie totally ripped off the Supremes by copying their album covers and gowns, making it impossible to not think that it is the story was of the Supremes. But it wasn't

I would love to see either a Broadway musical or a movie about the group with their songs intact. It seems that Mary still has that dream and would like to have a movie made about the group. So would I.

https://www.smoothradio.com/news/mus...upremes-movie/

The problem with the film version of Dreamgirls is that it blurred the lines way too much. By changing the storyline and using the likeness of the Supremes, their albums, costumes, etc. they made it difficult for the public to distinguish what was real and what wasn't. I had friends who saw it and said "Wow, that was the Supremes story?" I can see why Mary would be upset for not being compensated with the usage of her likeness.

The play was very careful in not blurring those lines. It's been said by cast members and crew from the original production that it was the Supremes story, but were informed to tell the public it wasn't because the creative team and producers were afraid of being sued. Sheryl Lee Ralph recalls when she initially met Diana and how cold and rude Diana was to her. Mary recalls how either Tom Eyen or Michael Bennett brushed her off after a performance most likely out of fear what her reaction would be.

Dreamgirls ruined any chance of a Supremes film. Even if the musical had not been made, there wouldn't much a chance for a film because Gordy has grand rights and there's no way he would ever approve a film that told how he mistreated Florence Ballard.

A Supremes film is not needed. I would much prefer a documentary that was truthful and told all sides rather than one.

I hope someday there is a feature film made about the Supremes based on Mary Wilson's book, "Dreamgirl, My Life As A Supreme". That is what Mary wants and I would go to see it.

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Originally Posted by marv2

I hope someday there is a feature film made about the Supremes based on Mary Wilson's book, "Dreamgirl, My Life As A Supreme". That is what Mary wants and I would go to see it.

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I know it seems to be real difficult for you getting to see mary at Cafe Carlile or NYCB in Westbury or brooklyn or Pennselvania but this ones also in your back yard and youd get a photo with Mary, and a nice catch-up. Its been a real long time since youve seen Mary, probably a decade or more so im hope you and Luke can make it.

I remembered when this film first came out, she was all supportive of it. Now she reveals she, Diana, Flo's estate and Cindy didn't get consulted?

Also, Motown owns the masters to the music and the film would have to be agreed by ALL parties: Diana, Florence's daughters, Cindy and Gordy.

Until that happens, it won't happen. And that's real.

O. M. G. Let it go, gurrlll ...

Yeah, Dreamgirls the movie pretty much messed up any chance of a Supremes movie. But my opinion is the same as Brad's. I'd rather have an impartial, truthful documentary made than a dramatized film. I have a feeling even the doc would have no chance unless Berry Gordy has passed away. I think Diana would be more receptive to it than he would, believe it or not.

I have to disagree with the comments that the film "Dreamgirls" has destroyed any chances of a film about the Supremes ever being made. The public does not have very long memories and I have seen tons of movies made about the same subject. For example how many Superman, Spiderman, and other comic characters have been made? How many historical films have be made about the same subject such as Mary Queen of Scots/Elizabeth I, Elvis Presley, etc, etc. Those are a just a few I can think of before having my coffee. LOL!

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Originally Posted by RanRan79

Yeah, Dreamgirls the movie pretty much messed up any chance of a Supremes movie. But my opinion is the same as Brad's. I'd rather have an impartial, truthful documentary made than a dramatized film. I have a feeling even the doc would have no chance unless Berry Gordy has passed away. I think Diana would be more receptive to it than he would, believe it or not.

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Gordy and Ross are the roadblocks to a Supremes documentary. The topic of Flo and her dismissal is something they want to shy away from because 1.) fear of them being made into villains 2.) Neither want to take responsibility in how they treated her and the whole situation especially Gordy.

I do think there is a way to do a documentary where no one comes away looking like a villain, but the truth hurts and Gordy would have to get stung.

I loved Dreamgirls when it was released back in 2006, but I recently revisited it and I'm way more critical of it than I used to be. The blurring of lines into the Supremes' image should have never been done as well as changing many aspects of the story such as relocating from Chicago to Detroit, a Motown-like record label, etc. I wish they kept it true to the original stage production. I also think there was a lot of miscasting especially Beyonce. I would love to see a live TV production that's closer to the stage production.

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Originally Posted by marv2

I have to disagree with the comments that the film "Dreamgirls" has destroyed any chances of a film about the Supremes ever being made. The public does not have very long memories and I have seen tons of movies made about the same subject. For example how many Superman, Spiderman, and other comic characters have been made? How many historical films have be made about the same subject such as Mary Queen of Scots/Elizabeth I, Elvis Presley, etc, etc. Those are a just a few I can think of before having my coffee. LOL!

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The differences is that Superman, Spiderman, etc. are part of franchises that have a far bigger following/fan base. There is a demand for those kinds of films and they are profitable especially now where the superhero/action films are box office gold. Most historical biopics tend to focus on a segment of a person's career/life rather than their entire life. I'm not saying a Supremes biopic can't be done, but you are cramming a lot into a 2 hour film and what would the quality of the film be? You know a film studio would take artistic liberties with their story. Would you want that and have Mary or Flo be remembered for something they didn't say or do especially if it's something negative? I think you're also forgetting Gordy would never sign off on this. No approval from Gordy, no music. And you can't tell the Supremes' story without the music.

A documentary is a far better route and option and has a far better chance of happening. A biopic has as much to coming to fruition as a Supremes reunion tour. It's not going to happen.

A non-fiction book about the Supremes could be good.

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Originally Posted by bradsupremes

The differences is that Superman, Spiderman, etc. are part of franchises that have a far bigger following/fan base. There is a demand for those kinds of films and they are profitable especially now where the superhero/action films are box office gold. Most historical biopics tend to focus on a segment of a person's career/life rather than their entire life. I'm not saying a Supremes biopic can't be done, but you are cramming a lot into a 2 hour film and what would the quality of the film be? You know a film studio would take artistic liberties with their story. Would you want that and have Mary or Flo be remembered for something they didn't say or do especially if it's something negative? I think you're also forgetting Gordy would never sign off on this. No approval from Gordy, no music. And you can't tell the Supremes' story without the music.

A documentary is a far better route and option and has a far better chance of happening. A biopic has as much to coming to fruition as a Supremes reunion tour. It's not going to happen.

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They just did one on Freddy Mercury and Queen, so I can't buy that either. The Supremes were much bigger overall.

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Originally Posted by PeaceNHarmony

A non-fiction book about the Supremes could be good.

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Sour grapes huh?

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Originally Posted by bradsupremes

Gordy and Ross are the roadblocks to a Supremes documentary. The topic of Flo and her dismissal is something they want to shy away from because 1.) fear of them being made into villains 2.) Neither want to take responsibility in how they treated her and the whole situation especially Gordy.

I do think there is a way to do a documentary where no one comes away looking like a villain, but the truth hurts and Gordy would have to get stung.

I loved Dreamgirls when it was released back in 2006, but I recently revisited it and I'm way more critical of it than I used to be. The blurring of lines into the Supremes' image should have never been done as well as changing many aspects of the story such as relocating from Chicago to Detroit, a Motown-like record label, etc. I wish they kept it true to the original stage production. I also think there was a lot of miscasting especially Beyonce. I would love to see a live TV production that's closer to the stage production.

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my understanding is that Beyonce insisted the role be made "nicer." there was still plenty of residual public snarking about the many personnel changes in DC and her role in the group. but by watering down the Deena role, she effectively made it useless with little depth or interest. and her questionable acting skills did nothing to elevate the performance.

The mini-series on the Temptations and the Jacksons were/are very popular. I believe a film on the Supremes would be as well.

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Originally Posted by sup_fan

my understanding is that Beyonce insisted the role be made "nicer." there was still plenty of residual public snarking about the many personnel changes in DC and her role in the group. but by watering down the Deena role, she effectively made it useless with little depth or interest. and her questionable acting skills did nothing to elevate the performance.

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I agree. This fact alone makes it clear that "Dreamgirls" was NOT about The Supremes.

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Originally Posted by midnightman

I remembered when this film first came out, she was all supportive of it. Now she reveals she, Diana, Flo's estate and Cindy didn't get consulted?

Also, Motown owns the masters to the music and the film would have to be agreed by ALL parties: Diana, Florence's daughters, Cindy and Gordy.

Until that happens, it won't happen. And that's real.

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The only consent they need is from the owner of the music but Berry retained some kind of veto. I suspect his estate will have the same veto power and it will likely extend for his life and the lives of all his children at least.

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Originally Posted by sup_fan

my understanding is that Beyonce insisted the role be made "nicer." there was still plenty of residual public snarking about the many personnel changes in DC and her role in the group. but by watering down the Deena role, she effectively made it useless with little depth or interest. and her questionable acting skills did nothing to elevate the performance.

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In the original production, Deena wasn't really the villian, but the story was slanted so sympathies went with Effie. As much as they changed a lot in the show, the many similarities were enough for people to think it was about the Supremes. I saw the original production, and remember specifically, at intermission [[after Effie's big "I'm Telling You" number), a woman behind me said to her friends, "I didn't know Florence Ballard was in love with Berry Gordy!" So I'm sure many bought Dreamgirls as the Supremes story.

Motown rode the cash cow when the play "Dreamgirls" first hit the stage. This was when Smokey was still VP. I have a Motown poster comparing the play to the Supremes.

Years later, Smokey would denounce the film, saying it ripped off the legacy of Motown.

Sorry, you can't have it both ways.

i can't see this happening any time soon. with Diana and Berry still alive and in good health, they'll never allow any likeness or representation on screen without a fight. There have been too many rumors, myths and gossip about what happened. plus the different points of view by the people that were there.

Diana has never been a sentimental person. so i'm sure she was 0 interest in doing this or allowing it to happen. especially since she will be viewed in a negative light.

The play and the movie were very different. As previously mentioned, the movie had mocks of their album covers, references to the Sullivan show, changed the location to Detroit, etc. So Smokey had every right to speak up.

I’m not sure she has zero interest. Around the late 90’s early 2000’s she was in talks to produce a movie/ mini series about the Supremes. Many hope that she is portrayed as the villain but if produced correctly the blame can be spread to all three ladies regarding things that went on. But I’m sure Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard fans would not be happy with that.

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Originally Posted by khansperac

I’m not sure she has zero interest. Around the late 90’s early 2000’s she was in talks to produce a movie/ mini series about the Supremes. Many hope that she is portrayed as the villain but if produced correctly the blame can be spread to all three ladies regarding things that went on. But I’m sure Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard fans would not be happy with that.

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Yea. There's that. I can add that it's the only interest Wilson and Flo fans have in a movie.

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Originally Posted by khansperac

I’m not sure she has zero interest. Around the late 90’s early 2000’s she was in talks to produce a movie/ mini series about the Supremes. Many hope that she is portrayed as the villain but if produced correctly the blame can be spread to all three ladies regarding things that went on. But I’m sure Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard fans would not be happy with that.

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in one of Randy's books he talks about this. the story goes [[i think) that Cindy had come to her in need of money and rather than just hand her a check, Diana procrastinated long enough on a mini-series Suzanne dePasse was trying to launch. Cindy had already agreed to the project and had received a sum of money for it [[non-refundable). then Diana turned down the project and it died. the idea being that she never intended to do it or participate in it but lead it along long enough for Cindy to get some money from it.

no mention was made of if Mary was involved or received any money from it

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Originally Posted by MotownFan615

In the original production, Deena wasn't really the villian, but the story was slanted so sympathies went with Effie. As much as they changed a lot in the show, the many similarities were enough for people to think it was about the Supremes. I saw the original production, and remember specifically, at intermission [[after Effie's big "I'm Telling You" number), a woman behind me said to her friends, "I didn't know Florence Ballard was in love with Berry Gordy!" So I'm sure many bought Dreamgirls as the Supremes story.

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In the original premise for the play and while it was still in workshop, the character "Effie" dies at the end of Act I. Jennifer Holliday raised Hell over it [[not due to anything to do with Florence Ballard) because she wanted more stage time than just one Act. The director, Michael Bennett wrote the changes in with the thought that it would be further comparisons to the Supremes story.

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Originally Posted by marybrewster

Motown rode the cash cow when the play "Dreamgirls" first hit the stage. This was when Smokey was still VP. I have a Motown poster comparing the play to the Supremes.

Years later, Smokey would denounce the film, saying it ripped off the legacy of Motown.

Sorry, you can't have it both ways.

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He only did that to protect the reputation of his friend Berry Gordy Jr. Jamie Foxx's character, "Curtis Taylor, Jr." was portrayed as a mean, conniving son of a bitch! Smokey could not have people believing that that was how Berry Gordy Jr was.........

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Originally Posted by sup_fan

i can't see this happening any time soon. with Diana and Berry still alive and in good health, they'll never allow any likeness or representation on screen without a fight. There have been too many rumors, myths and gossip about what happened. plus the different points of view by the people that were there.

Diana has never been a sentimental person. so i'm sure she was 0 interest in doing this or allowing it to happen. especially since she will be viewed in a negative light.

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Now why would she be viewed in a negative light if they only told the truth?

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Originally Posted by marv2

Now why would she be viewed in a negative light if they only told the truth?

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Well your "truth" about Diana Ross is 100% negative but we all know what you spread about Diane everyday, its not real honest and would fail every fact check there is.

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Originally Posted by Roberta75

Well your "truth" about Diana Ross is 100% negative but we all know what you spread about Diane everyday, its not real honest and would fail every fact check there is.

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The truth is that most of the Supremes don’t like Mary Wilson

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Originally Posted by jobeterob

The truth is that most of the Supremes donÂ’t like Mary Wilson

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Not to mention most of ... well, I'll stop there. Wonder if the Mary-loonies realize the damage they do to to her? But I've always said: the most hysterical Wilson 'fans' don't GAF about her. They just want to insult other Supremes. And they always [[ALWAYS! Look at the sales of tickets at the Apollo ...) lose.

Those few fans have had a hand in ensuring there will never be a real reunion either

I don't want to sound disrespectful but what I do remember is that everyone wants to paint Gordy and Ross as the villians surrounding Ballard. How is it that a whole corporation of artists and family and friends did not stand with her ? How is it that not one singer did not side with her and help her ? How did they let her walk away and never reach out to get her back on here feet ? Everyone watched but no one did anything.

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Originally Posted by captainjames

I don't want to sound disrespectful but what I do remember is that everyone wants to paint Gordy and Ross as the villians surrounding Ballard. How is it that a whole corporation of artists and family and friends did not stand with her ? How is it that not one singer did not side with her and help her ? How did they let her walk away and never reach out to get her back on here feet ? Everyone watched but no one did anything.

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Not disrespectful and exactly right. Everyone looked the other way until Florence was gone, then pointed fingers to hide their own culpability and inaction. And sadly continues to this day. Vultures.

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Originally Posted by PeaceNHarmony

Not disrespectful and exactly right. Everyone looked the other way until Florence was gone, then pointed fingers to hide their own culpability and inaction. And sadly continues to this day. Vultures.

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its true that everyone acted in their own best interest or dis-interest. I don’t think anyone is to “blame” per se’ and am tired of the finger pointing. Gordy had his interests to protect as did Diana and Mary. It’s just that Mary had to create this fable of abuse and treachery. Let’s face it, Flo Ballard is not the first Person in show business to succumb to substance-abuse…… If this was some sort of rare occurrence then we could look at other variables and maybe point some fingers with a little more authority. Gordy had a history making and moneymaking super group and a burgeoning empire to deal with and he felt getting rid of Florence was the best thing to do, so he did. He may have been a fucker, I don’t know seems like he was…… But we all know that there was a lot of concern about how the public would react to Flos Ouster but we know now that there wasn’t much to worry about. Mary has stated that she went along with the program because she was afraid she would get kicked out of the group, but I call bullshit on that because she knew that they were scared to death to get rid of one member of the group they certainly were not going to have to get rid of two there’s no way that they would’ve replaced Mary unless they had no other choice and she knew that. However, she did admit that she sided with Diana and Barry at that meeting in Outer Drive. And Mary is not to blame at all, yet she still felt the need to justify her non-action and point. Mary could have insisted that flow be given 3 to 6 months off to get herself together. I wish that’s what she and Diana had said to Barry Gordy and then hired Cindy are used Marlene and whoever to fill in the gap‘s Until Flo was OK. Maybe use Florence for some TV shows…… They really didn’t do that much that summer and fall. It could have been arranged. At that time if Florence did not get it together, then bring in Cindy and you’ve known that you’ve done everything you could and have made the correct decision.

I’ve always felt that if the shoe had been on the other foot and mary was the one with the drinking problem and getting kicked out of the group that Florence would not have gone along with the program and fought tooth and nail to prevent that. There’s no way She would’ve accepted Mary’s Ouster unless it was absolutely absolutely absolutely necessary.

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Originally Posted by TheMotownManiac

its true that everyone acted in their own best interest or dis-interest. I don’t think anyone is to “blame” per se’ and am tired of the finger pointing. Gordy had his interests to protect as did Diana and Mary. It’s just that Mary had to create this fable of abuse and treachery. Let’s face it, Flo Ballard is not the first Person in show business to succumb to substance-abuse…… If this was some sort of rare occurrence then we could look at other variables and maybe point some fingers with a little more authority. Gordy had a history making and moneymaking super group and a burgeoning empire to deal with and he felt getting rid of Florence was the best thing to do, so he did. He may have been a fucker, I don’t know seems like he was…… But we all know that there was a lot of concern about how the public would react to Flos Ouster but we know now that there wasn’t much to worry about. Mary has stated that she went along with the program because she was afraid she would get kicked out of the group, but I call bullshit on that because she knew that they were scared to death to get rid of one member of the group they certainly were not going to have to get rid of two there’s no way that they would’ve replaced Mary unless they had no other choice and she knew that. However, she did admit that she sided with Diana and Barry at that meeting in Outer Drive. And Mary is not to blame at all, yet she still felt the need to justify her non-action and point. Mary could have insisted that flow be given 3 to 6 months off to get herself together. I wish that’s what she and Diana had said to Barry Gordy and then hired Cindy are used Marlene and whoever to fill in the gap‘s Until Flo was OK. Maybe use Florence for some TV shows…… They really didn’t do that much that summer and fall. It could have been arranged. At that time if Florence did not get it together, then bring in Cindy and you’ve known that you’ve done everything you could and have made the correct decision.

I’ve always felt that if the shoe had been on the other foot and mary was the one with the drinking problem and getting kicked out of the group that Florence would not have gone along with the program and fought tooth and nail to prevent that. There’s no way She would’ve accepted Mary’s Ouster unless it was absolutely absolutely absolutely necessary.

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This I believe as well and not to keep beating on the same horse but Berry Gordy was a businessman but perhaps not a very kind one and what he did to Florence, he did to Mary and eventually to Diana. He promised the girls he would always take care of them but he really didn't, he made sure he took care of the business and himself. However, together with their hard work and talent he made them a household word. If Flo was alive today she would probably still say BG was an A hole but I bet you she would still say Mary and Diana were her sisters. I still cannot understand why all the producers, singers, writers and staff at Motown why no one stepped to Gordy and said this is not right even after she left. If I remember correctly BG's sister supposedly told Flo that he couldn't do that but I have no proof she actually told her that. However, if it was true why didn't she tell Berry that ?

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Originally Posted by marv2

They just did one on Freddy Mercury and Queen, so I can't buy that either. The Supremes were much bigger overall.

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Queen sold more albums and toured stadiums. I'm just saying... the Supremes' strength was singles. They sold albums and toured to sold out venues all over the world but by the '70s and '80s, things got bigger and by the time Queen had their breakthrough, the Supremes were DONE.

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Originally Posted by bradsupremes

Gordy and Ross are the roadblocks to a Supremes documentary. The topic of Flo and her dismissal is something they want to shy away from because 1.) fear of them being made into villains 2.) Neither want to take responsibility in how they treated her and the whole situation especially Gordy.

I do think there is a way to do a documentary where no one comes away looking like a villain, but the truth hurts and Gordy would have to get stung.

I loved Dreamgirls when it was released back in 2006, but I recently revisited it and I'm way more critical of it than I used to be. The blurring of lines into the Supremes' image should have never been done as well as changing many aspects of the story such as relocating from Chicago to Detroit, a Motown-like record label, etc. I wish they kept it true to the original stage production. I also think there was a lot of miscasting especially Beyonce. I would love to see a live TV production that's closer to the stage production.

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The push to make it Motown was intentional. That's why Smokey Robinson flipped out. And understandable. Martha Reeves also was pissed off about it.

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Originally Posted by jobeterob

The only consent they need is from the owner of the music but Berry retained some kind of veto. I suspect his estate will have the same veto power and it will likely extend for his life and the lives of all his children at least.

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Berry's veto power is why that Sexual Healing biopic ended up being put in the gutter despite the fact it didn't include Motown stuff. Berry's veto has POWER. He don't want ANY film trashing him or his artists.

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Originally Posted by PeaceNHarmony

Not disrespectful and exactly right. Everyone looked the other way until Florence was gone, then pointed fingers to hide their own culpability and inaction. And sadly continues to this day. Vultures.

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Most everyone in Motown turned on Flo. That includes, unfortunately, her Supremes partners. That was the saddest part of the Florence story. Fame and fortune ruled over loyalty.

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Originally Posted by midnightman

Queen sold more albums and toured stadiums. I'm just saying... the Supremes' strength was singles. They sold albums and toured to sold out venues all over the world but by the '70s and '80s, things got bigger and by the time Queen had their breakthrough, the Supremes were DONE.

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They no black fan base to speak of. The Supremes had black, white, yellow,brown everyone liked their music. I'm saying...... The Supremes were bigger culturally speaking than Queen.