Forgive me if this topic's already been covered... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

GrapeJelly · 07-25-2003, 07:20 PM

Was just wondering how everyone felt about "Can You Hear the Laughter?" Do you think Freddie's story was portrayed accurately and honestly? Do you feel Ira Angustain succeeded or failed in capturing Freddie's charm and essence?

Prince · 07-25-2003, 08:37 PM

I have never really seen it, but from what I hear it was not a very complimentary portrayal of Freddie. I think, like everyone at the time, they were just trying to cash in on his death. So sad!!!

Cheryl Harrell · 07-26-2003, 12:02 AM

I bought the video of this off of E-Bay. It wasn't very complimentary about him. I was very sad at the end when he died. It had me bawling my eyes out & I went thru several hankies watching it. That & the E-TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY are so sad when he dies. They'll have you sobbing your eyes out & going thru the hankies... I don't watch those that much due to that...

MariposaLKB · 07-26-2003, 07:16 AM

and not very sympathetic. Freddie was portrayed as mostly angry and selfish--no mention of his generosity to his friends, both in terms of his big heart and his eventual riches. Even the fact that he was a tenor was botched--the singer dubbing the song he sang with his band had a very low voice.

I agree the suicide scene was gut-wrenching, but it was also handled wrong. Freddie's manager was present in reality, and it happened in the living room of the apartment he moved into after he and Kathy split. But in the movie he is alone, looking in the mirror in his bedroom and talking to himself. The only thing that is probably accurate about that scene is that Ira Angustain did a good job of portraying a man who was too stoned to know what he was doing...

Joy · 07-26-2003, 06:56 PM

I agree mariposa. all in all it is a very poor movie about a wonderful human being and a dynamic entertainer.

Adamantium · 08-23-2003, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MariposaLKB
I agree the suicide scene was gut-wrenching, but it was also handled wrong. Freddie's manager was present in reality, and it happened in the living room of the apartment he moved into after he and Kathy split. But in the movie he is alone, looking in the mirror in his bedroom and talking to himself. The only thing that is probably accurate about that scene is that Ira Angustain did a good job of portraying a man who was too stoned to know what he was doing...

The same can be said for "The Three Stooges" movie. In the TV movie, Curly had his stroke during the filming of an episode. He did a comedy bit and then fell onto the floor shaking. However, according to Moe Howard's autobiography, he walked into Curly's dressing room to find Curly sitting in a chair with his head down and a tear rolling down his cheek.

They'll do anything to make real life seem more interesting and exciting for the camera. The Monkees TV biography movie was also filled with moments of inaccuracy.

Prince · 08-23-2003, 05:25 PM

My husband watched the movie on the Three Stooges and did say it was very sad. Unfortunately who ever makes these movies doesn't really care if the protrayal is accurate....just looking for hype and big money. Sad really, because the artists protrayed still have loved ones left behind that can be hurt. Nothing say the fans.

tylersmistress2002 · 08-27-2003, 12:30 PM

I have both of these on tape...the E story and the movie. Neither of them portray Freddie in a very positive light. I do have to say that I have seen first hand what drugs can do to a person and portions of the movie may be quite accurate but I dont feel it is rite to publish something of this type when the person is not around to defend themselves.

Joy · 08-27-2003, 12:48 PM

I agree 100% TM

Danisel331 · 02-25-2004, 05:31 AM

Ok, ladies, I just want to ask if anyone has anything to add to the opinions posted about this movie. I have not seen the movie, but any more input would be so appreciated for a project I'm working on. Thank you!

Pitooey · 02-25-2004, 10:40 AM

Dani They portrayed Freddie as a person who wouldn't listen to anyone, took drugs alot and had temper tantrums.

Now I'm not saying he didn't dabble in drugs or anything but, when you write a story about anyone you must write about the GOOD and the bad of a person. We all know Freddie had good in him. Why leave that out???

His mother must've been heartbroken when she learned of this vicious movie.

FREDDIEFANFOREVER · 02-25-2004, 10:43 AM

Well, being I've only seen the movie once, because I just couldn't bear to see it twice, I can only add that Ira tried to portray Freddie, but let's face it, HE'S NO FREDDIE PRINZE!!!! Not to put his acting down, but he didn't seem to have the charisma and didn't seem a believable Freddie to me. But that's probably my prejudice!!! I bet no one would have been good enough for me at the time to play a decent portrayal of Freddie. Perhaps if the movie was done again now and Freddie Jr. could play his dad it would be a much more believable portrayal, but I doubt that will happen.

Also, I didn't feel that Freddie was portrayed very positively AT ALL!!!! Anyone who hadn't seen him play Chico or hadn't seen him perform live or just being himself would not see the Freddie we all know and love! His generosity, good nature, loyalty to friends, and the respect for his parents and closeness with his mom was never captured on film. Anyone feel the same or am I just being too judgemental being I can't stand anyone playing Freddie BUT FREDDIE HIMSELF!!!!!

SugarPie

Danisel331 · 02-26-2004, 05:33 AM

I know this movie is a rather sore subject and believe me, I don't want to hurt anyone here, but I need a little more info please.
I know Freddie's family really had nothing to do with htis movie and seems I saw somewhere that most of the people that were interviewed for background had an axe to grind against Freddie for one reason or another, so why didn't someone stop the movie? Also, were there any talks at any time for a real movie to come out? A more truthful one?
Like I said I wouldn't ask if it wasn't for research, I wouldn't ask. Thank you for answering!

Luckymama58 · 02-26-2004, 07:10 AM

I saw someplace in a magazine that Eric Estrada was being considered for the part of Freddie in the movie before it was made, but when he found out that Freddie's mother wasn't being consulted about Freddie's life for the movie, he bowed out. He had enough respect for Freddie, his family and his memory not to do the movie. I am not a real big Eric Estrada fan, but my estimation of him went up when I read this. I also got my first indication that this movie wasn't going to be a true portrayal from this.

I would love to see the real story come out. I know that some of what they portrayed in this movie might be true, the bare facts that is. It was colored with inuendo that suggested that ALL of Freddie's problems were of his own making.... and they portrayed him as a selfish bastard (I know that word will be sensored, but it is the truth) I know he wasn't just out for himself, even tho we all know he was ambitious, heck, he wouldn't have gotten as far as he did in the short time that he did if he didn't have a measure of ambition along with his tremendous talent.

Speaking of talent, they also had him portrayed as stealing other young comedians bits when he was performing in the night clubs in NYC before he made it big, insinuating that he didn't come up with his own original material, an effort to belittle his real talent IMHO. I really think this movie was made to cover people in Hollywood's butts at the time. NO one associated with Freddie was willing to admit that they possibly could have had a hand in his death.

This movie was like Pilate washing his hands of Jesus' death to me.... the Hollywood machine wanted to wash its hands of Freddie's death, and this movie was the vehicle. We all know that Freddie took street drugs and that his friends in the business got him started in that direction, it was the "Hollywood" thing to do at the time. We also know that when the powers that be were concerned about the escalating amount of street drugs Freddie was taking, they sent him to doctors who prescribed more drugs, legal this time, to combat the depression he was feeling from being so far from what he knew and the effects of the street drugs. That was like treating cancer with more cancer.... and led to his ultimate demise. The thing of it is, this movie made it sound like this was ALL Freddie's fault.... again absolving the powers that be of any blame. So when Freddie shot himself, it wasn't going to be on their heads.

Well I hope this helps. I know, this movie makes me get up on my soap box. Sorry.

FREDDIEFANFOREVER · 02-26-2004, 08:17 AM

RIGHT ON LUCKYMAMA!!!! I couldn't have explained it any better. Thank you. You said everything I was always thinking and you hit the nail right on head!!! NO ONE related to this movie really cared about Freddie at all. It was all about money and cashing in on a tradegy as soon as they could. Wouldn't it be great if the movie could be made over more true to life?

SUGARPIE

07-25-2003, 07:20 PM	#1
GrapeJelly Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 18, 2003 Posts: 3,542	Forgive me if this topic's already been covered... Was just wondering how everyone felt about "Can You Hear the Laughter?" Do you think Freddie's story was portrayed accurately and honestly? Do you feel Ira Angustain succeeded or failed in capturing Freddie's charm and essence?

07-25-2003, 08:37 PM	#2
Prince Prince of Peace Senior Member Join Date: Jan 26, 2001 Posts: 1,137	Movie I have never really seen it, but from what I hear it was not a very complimentary portrayal of Freddie. I think, like everyone at the time, they were just trying to cash in on his death. So sad!!!
	__________________ A friend is faithful, trusting and helpful…someone that realizes your imperfections and stands by you--Freddie Prinze "Come here to me" --- Freddie Prinze "Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful...Beautiful Boy" When I watched Freddie Prinze perform...his future was so bright that it burned my eyes. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly and Leave the rest to God. "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

07-26-2003, 12:02 AM	#3
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	I bought the video of this off of E-Bay. It wasn't very complimentary about him. I was very sad at the end when he died. It had me bawling my eyes out & I went thru several hankies watching it. That & the E-TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY are so sad when he dies. They'll have you sobbing your eyes out & going thru the hankies... I don't watch those that much due to that...
	__________________ RIP darling Mike. I love you forever... You are with Freddie Prinze & Jesus now. 1951-2009 "Make it your way, who can beat the Lord, the Son of God. Dear Lord, help me be strong where I am weak, if it be your will"-- The Late Freddie Prinze Sr

07-26-2003, 07:16 AM	#4
MariposaLKB She flies alone Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 06, 2001 Location: The great unknown Posts: 3,436	Not very accurate.... and not very sympathetic. Freddie was portrayed as mostly angry and selfish--no mention of his generosity to his friends, both in terms of his big heart and his eventual riches. Even the fact that he was a tenor was botched--the singer dubbing the song he sang with his band had a very low voice. I agree the suicide scene was gut-wrenching, but it was also handled wrong. Freddie's manager was present in reality, and it happened in the living room of the apartment he moved into after he and Kathy split. But in the movie he is alone, looking in the mirror in his bedroom and talking to himself. The only thing that is probably accurate about that scene is that Ira Angustain did a good job of portraying a man who was too stoned to know what he was doing...
	__________________ Within a cage Try to escape Her silent rage But no one ever listens... -Butterfly (Mariposa)

07-26-2003, 06:56 PM	#5
Joy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2001 Location: In Mn lovin my DVD and the Prinze of comedy!!! Posts: 3,247	I agree mariposa. all in all it is a very poor movie about a wonderful human being and a dynamic entertainer.
	__________________ <img src="http://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/crimscience/Avatars/angiesigbar.jpg">

08-23-2003, 05:25 PM	#7
Prince Prince of Peace Senior Member Join Date: Jan 26, 2001 Posts: 1,137	Movies My husband watched the movie on the Three Stooges and did say it was very sad. Unfortunately who ever makes these movies doesn't really care if the protrayal is accurate....just looking for hype and big money. Sad really, because the artists protrayed still have loved ones left behind that can be hurt. Nothing say the fans. Attached Images

08-27-2003, 12:30 PM	#8
tylersmistress2002 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 21, 2001 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 493	I have both of these on tape...the E story and the movie. Neither of them portray Freddie in a very positive light. I do have to say that I have seen first hand what drugs can do to a person and portions of the movie may be quite accurate but I dont feel it is rite to publish something of this type when the person is not around to defend themselves.
	__________________ so....what are you trying to say?

08-27-2003, 12:48 PM	#9
Joy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2001 Location: In Mn lovin my DVD and the Prinze of comedy!!! Posts: 3,247	I agree 100% TM

02-25-2004, 05:31 AM	#10
Danisel331 Kisses for my fans! Senior Member Join Date: Jan 11, 2002 Posts: 1,475	Ok, ladies, I just want to ask if anyone has anything to add to the opinions posted about this movie. I have not seen the movie, but any more input would be so appreciated for a project I'm working on. Thank you!
	__________________ Please Drop by! Wallpapers By Dani RIP Kelsi Ilyssa You gave us Heaven on Earth for a week

02-25-2004, 10:40 AM	#11
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	Dani They portrayed Freddie as a person who wouldn't listen to anyone, took drugs alot and had temper tantrums. Now I'm not saying he didn't dabble in drugs or anything but, when you write a story about anyone you must write about the GOOD and the bad of a person. We all know Freddie had good in him. Why leave that out??? His mother must've been heartbroken when she learned of this vicious movie.
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

02-25-2004, 10:43 AM	#12
FREDDIEFANFOREVER Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2004 Location: FREDDIE'S CHALET, USA Posts: 12	CAN YOU HEAR THE LAUGHTER? Well, being I've only seen the movie once, because I just couldn't bear to see it twice, I can only add that Ira tried to portray Freddie, but let's face it, HE'S NO FREDDIE PRINZE!!!! Not to put his acting down, but he didn't seem to have the charisma and didn't seem a believable Freddie to me. But that's probably my prejudice!!! I bet no one would have been good enough for me at the time to play a decent portrayal of Freddie. Perhaps if the movie was done again now and Freddie Jr. could play his dad it would be a much more believable portrayal, but I doubt that will happen. Also, I didn't feel that Freddie was portrayed very positively AT ALL!!!! Anyone who hadn't seen him play Chico or hadn't seen him perform live or just being himself would not see the Freddie we all know and love! His generosity, good nature, loyalty to friends, and the respect for his parents and closeness with his mom was never captured on film. Anyone feel the same or am I just being too judgemental being I can't stand anyone playing Freddie BUT FREDDIE HIMSELF!!!!! SugarPie
	__________________ LOOOOKING GOOOOD!!!!

02-26-2004, 05:33 AM	#13
Danisel331 Kisses for my fans! Senior Member Join Date: Jan 11, 2002 Posts: 1,475	I know this movie is a rather sore subject and believe me, I don't want to hurt anyone here, but I need a little more info please. I know Freddie's family really had nothing to do with htis movie and seems I saw somewhere that most of the people that were interviewed for background had an axe to grind against Freddie for one reason or another, so why didn't someone stop the movie? Also, were there any talks at any time for a real movie to come out? A more truthful one? Like I said I wouldn't ask if it wasn't for research, I wouldn't ask. Thank you for answering!

02-26-2004, 07:10 AM	#14
Luckymama58 Math Geeks Unite! Senior Member Join Date: Mar 18, 2001 Location: In my rock and roll fantasy Posts: 2,553	"Can you hear the LYING!!!" I saw someplace in a magazine that Eric Estrada was being considered for the part of Freddie in the movie before it was made, but when he found out that Freddie's mother wasn't being consulted about Freddie's life for the movie, he bowed out. He had enough respect for Freddie, his family and his memory not to do the movie. I am not a real big Eric Estrada fan, but my estimation of him went up when I read this. I also got my first indication that this movie wasn't going to be a true portrayal from this. I would love to see the real story come out. I know that some of what they portrayed in this movie might be true, the bare facts that is. It was colored with inuendo that suggested that ALL of Freddie's problems were of his own making.... and they portrayed him as a selfish bastard (I know that word will be sensored, but it is the truth) I know he wasn't just out for himself, even tho we all know he was ambitious, heck, he wouldn't have gotten as far as he did in the short time that he did if he didn't have a measure of ambition along with his tremendous talent. Speaking of talent, they also had him portrayed as stealing other young comedians bits when he was performing in the night clubs in NYC before he made it big, insinuating that he didn't come up with his own original material, an effort to belittle his real talent IMHO. I really think this movie was made to cover people in Hollywood's butts at the time. NO one associated with Freddie was willing to admit that they possibly could have had a hand in his death. This movie was like Pilate washing his hands of Jesus' death to me.... the Hollywood machine wanted to wash its hands of Freddie's death, and this movie was the vehicle. We all know that Freddie took street drugs and that his friends in the business got him started in that direction, it was the "Hollywood" thing to do at the time. We also know that when the powers that be were concerned about the escalating amount of street drugs Freddie was taking, they sent him to doctors who prescribed more drugs, legal this time, to combat the depression he was feeling from being so far from what he knew and the effects of the street drugs. That was like treating cancer with more cancer.... and led to his ultimate demise. The thing of it is, this movie made it sound like this was ALL Freddie's fault.... again absolving the powers that be of any blame. So when Freddie shot himself, it wasn't going to be on their heads. Well I hope this helps. I know, this movie makes me get up on my soap box. Sorry.
	__________________ We All Use Math Every Day! Everything is Numb3rs! Capt. Jack: Drink up, me hardies, Yo Ho! I reject your reality and substitute my own!-Adam Savage, Mythbuster A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds... With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. -Ralph Waldo Emerson RIP Freddie Prinze 1954-1977 You have your star now. Last edited by Luckymama58; 02-26-2004 at 08:55 AM.

02-26-2004, 08:17 AM	#15
FREDDIEFANFOREVER Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2004 Location: FREDDIE'S CHALET, USA Posts: 12	CAN YOU HEAR THE LYING!!!! RIGHT ON LUCKYMAMA!!!! I couldn't have explained it any better. Thank you. You said everything I was always thinking and you hit the nail right on head!!! NO ONE related to this movie really cared about Freddie at all. It was all about money and cashing in on a tradegy as soon as they could. Wouldn't it be great if the movie could be made over more true to life? SUGARPIE