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Exclusive Book Excerpt: How A Terrible Script for Prince's Purple Rain Became The Best Rock Musical Ever Made

Purple Rain

It's been called the greatest rock musical ever made, the movie that launched Prince into the mainstream consciousness: 1984's Purple Rain. The semi-autobiographical story of a Minneapolis musician known as The Kid and his struggles with success, love, and an abusive father -- told as much through Prince's tortured swagger as through iconic chart-topping songs like "When Doves Cry" and the titular "Purple Rain" -- struck a chord with audiences and earned Prince an Oscar for Best Score to boot. But, as recounted in an exclusive excerpt from John Kenneth Muir's book Purple Rain: Music on Film, the film was headed for the rocks until neophyte director Albert Magnoli dared to tell Prince the truth about the film's initial script: "Well, I think it sucked."
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Brett Ratner to Replace Spielberg at Helm of Kids Adventure Adaptation The 39 Clues

When Steven Spielberg gets too busy to direct a film, which director pops into mind first to replace him? Altogether now: Brett Ratner! Deadline reports that Ratner will assume the helm of a live-action adaptation of The 39 Clues, a series of adventure books/online games/collectible cards about kids from the most influential family in history competing against rival clans in a globe-trotting scavenger hunt for world domination. Spielberg will stay on to produce with Scholastic's Deborah Forte and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson (Rush Hour, Catch Me If You Can, Tower Heist). [Deadline]