Movie review Permalink
Film companies usually produce what they call a “rough cut” before they actually release a new film. This rough cut is normally very near the finished version and it’s put together so that the film company can get an audience reaction. A few hundred people are invited to see the film without being told first what it is. If the audience dislikes one or two scenes particularly, then these are usually chopped out before the film goes on general release. The Monkees movie, or rather “Movee Untitled” as it’s being called now, was shown to 100 people at a small cinema in Los Angeles at one of these sneak previews two weeks ago.
The audience reaction to this first showing was mixed. Some of them said that they didn’t understand parts of the film—others thought it was great. Producer Bob Raphelson was reported to be quite satisfied with the reaction which, apparently, was just what he expected.
Concert fan Permalink
Whenever a big pop artist appears on the West Coast of America, there is always one Monkee in the audience, and that’s Peter Tork. He is a great fan of many of the British groups, particularly Hendrix, The Cream (who, of course, are unfortunately now breaking up), The Hollies, Who, etc. His production company, which has been given the unusual name of “Breakthrough Influence Company”—or BRINCO for short—has been set up to record and make films of talented pop performers.
Many members of visiting groups often stay with Peter. Ringo and George dropped in for a couple of minutes while they were visiting California last month. Jimi Hendrix and the Hollies also call in whenever they are in town.
Flying lessons Permalink
Micky took a couple of lessons on a gyrocopter, which was towed behind a car, to learn how to operate and move the controls before he tried a solo flight on his own machine. But, he hasn’t done anything more about it because, he has been busy on other things recently!
Promoting Wichita Permalink
As we reported recently, Mike Nesmith’s first independent L.P. “Wichita Train Whistle” was released on the Dot label in the States.
Mike has been spending a lot of time recently travelling round the States, popping into radio and television stations to talk about his L.P.
Unlike some pop stars he is quite happy about flying.
Flower wedding Permalink
Micky and Sammy both decided that they wanted a very simple ceremony in Micky’s Laurel Canyon home.
So, before the wedding took place on Friday, July 12th, Micky had the house and garden almost covered with five thousand dollars worth of flowers.
The best man was Ric Klein and maid of honour was Coco Dolenz, Micky’s sister. Micky and Samantha decided that they both wanted to stay in their Hollywood home for their honeymoon.
Recording Permalink
Whilst the Monkees are still waiting to settle the terms of their new contracts, they have been very busy once more in the recording studios. Apparently, they use several studios while they are working. RCA, which is the biggest, Western and Sunset Sound in Hollywood are the places they turn up in most frequently. They are still very anxious to get everything settled as soon as possible so that they can tour Britain and Europe in late August or September, followed by Japan and the Far East in November and December.
