The trailer for the movie Jersey Boys goes like this:
“The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more”.
The original members included Tommy Devito,Bob Gaudio,Nick Massi, and Frankie Valli and the group had more names than one can remember, before settling on the name, “The Four Seasons”
Broadway showing of Jersey Boys
The movie is a little different in that it details each of the members of the group’s prospective on how it all began, right on through to the induction into the 1990 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
I did like the movie….after all who wouldn’t with all those iconic songs that we all grew up with.
Seeing the inside problems that destroy marriages when the bread winner is seducing fame (and other women) and ignoring family, the in-fighting among the group, the really bad business decisions with overspending and gambling… was not so good.
The inevitable break up of the group as each became bitter and went their own way was sad for me too. But that was the reality of the story.
Joe Pesci, movies include Home Alone, etc
There is also mention of a name and character that is familiar to most of us….Joe Pesci, the actor, was actually a talent scout working to get the group together. (The group originally started out as a trio)
There are also mob-related scenes with implications of what could happen if one did not co-operate….(we all know how that goes down)….and in the early years, favoritism from law enforcement towards young Frankie Valli in penny-ante crime.
While all this was probably necessary to convey the background of the group….right up to the almost heroic singular effort of Frankie Valli, ….literally singing for his supper as he paid back half a million in gambling debts and taxes that group member, Tommy Divito had accrued…. it was sad for me.
I suppose I would choose the last scene as the best part of the movie, because it re-capped all the songs….showing performances much like the Broadway Musical upon which the movie was based. There was energy and excitement and joy as the group interacted with one another, singing their parts and adding the choreography that we used to see them do when performing.
A really “up” side to all the dissension and sadness that apparently comes with the forming of a group…at least this group.
The wonderful songs written and performed by the 4 Seasons bring up only happy feelings. The yesteryear of my youth….the songs that make you smile as you joyously sing along to the car radio or if you are like me…you have these songs on a play list.
One interesting note: The Four Seasons were the only American group to survive the “British Invasion” (The Beatles) on the pop charts in the mid 1960’s.
Frankie Valli (78) and Bob Gaurdio
Currently, they do concert tours (Frankie Valli being the only original group member singing) and their songs have become pop standards which continue to attract enthusiastic audiences, not only longtime fans, but also younger fans, thanks to the “oldies” Radio Stations.
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2 Comments
Kari, I saw this movie, and it really made me think about how much tragedy is in the lives of singing groups, solists, actors, authors and so many others.
I thought Clint Eastwood did a great job directing this movie.
You might not know, but I was told Eastwood used the original cast on Broadway for the movie.
thanks Sandy…I believe the actor who played Tommy Divito was not one of the originals…I have not seen it on Broadway but a friend said it was quite a bit different. More music and less background story. Clint Eastwood’s daughter played the waitress in the movie and of course Clint Eastwood had a cameo appearance. I looked for Frankie Valli to see if he did a cameo but if he did, I missed it. 😉
Me
Kari, I saw this movie, and it really made me think about how much tragedy is in the lives of singing groups, solists, actors, authors and so many others.
I thought Clint Eastwood did a great job directing this movie.
You might not know, but I was told Eastwood used the original cast on Broadway for the movie.
thanks Sandy…I believe the actor who played Tommy Divito was not one of the originals…I have not seen it on Broadway but a friend said it was quite a bit different. More music and less background story. Clint Eastwood’s daughter played the waitress in the movie and of course Clint Eastwood had a cameo appearance. I looked for Frankie Valli to see if he did a cameo but if he did, I missed it. 😉
Me