Posted on June 18, 2014 at 3:59 pm
This week, Clint Eastwood’s film of the wildly successful, Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” opens in theaters. It is based on the real-life story of one of the most successful pop groups of the 1960’s, The Four Seasons, who produced a string of Top 40 hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” “Let’s Hang On,” and “Working My Way Back to You.” But the show is more than the usual jukebox musical. Actors playing the members of the group, Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito, each give their versions of the group’s scrappy origins, their run-ins with the mob, and their conflicts with each other, with their record label, and with their families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMgPVKEKrSg
The actor Joe Pesci was a friend of the group. He is portrayed in the film by actor Joseph Russo. Here is the real Pesci with three of the group’s original members, from the Tony Awards broadcast. You can also see Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young, who appears in the film as well.
As with any story of events involving several people, it reflects the varying memories and perspectives of the participants. Some of the facts and chronologies have been changed. The movie shows the group being arrested in Ohio, but this article has the real story. The movie shows two of the members leaving at the same time, but in reality, Nick Massi stayed for five more years after Tommy DeVito left.
There’s even a teacher’s guide to Jersey Boys to explore the themes of biography and culture and even the economics of the vig! And take a look at Parade Magazine’s story about Frankie Valli’s return to his roots with the cast of the film.
If you want to see the real Frankie Valli, be sure to watch Rob Reiner’s new film, where he appears briefly as a nightclub owner.
Related Tags:
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of music history, particularly focusing on iconic pop groups, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the subject matter. My passion for the intricacies of musical narratives, combined with extensive research and engagement with authoritative sources, enables me to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts embedded in the article about Clint Eastwood's film "Jersey Boys."
The article discusses the cinematic adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jersey Boys," directed by Clint Eastwood. This film delves into the real-life story of The Four Seasons, a highly successful pop group of the 1960s. The group, comprised of members Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito, achieved fame with hits like "Sherry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," "Let’s Hang On," and "Working My Way Back to You."
One notable aspect of the article is its acknowledgment that, like any narrative involving multiple individuals, the film reflects varying memories and perspectives. This is a crucial point, emphasizing the subjective nature of storytelling and the need for critical interpretation when consuming historical or biographical content.
The mention of Joe Pesci's connection to the group adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The article highlights the actor's friendship with The Four Seasons and notes that he is portrayed by Joseph Russo in the film. This detail underscores the film's commitment to capturing not only the musical journey but also the interpersonal relationships and external influences on the group.
Furthermore, the article addresses discrepancies between the film's portrayal and actual historical events. For instance, it notes that the movie depicts the group's arrest in Ohio, providing a prompt to explore the real story behind this incident. Additionally, the article clarifies that the film shows two members leaving simultaneously, whereas Nick Massi stayed for an additional five years after Tommy DeVito's departure. These insights emphasize the importance of fact-checking and corroborating cinematic narratives with historical accuracy.
The article also mentions related content, such as a teacher's guide to "Jersey Boys," which explores themes of biography, culture, and economic aspects like the "vig." This demonstrates the cultural and educational impact of the musical and its adaptation into film.
In conclusion, my expertise in music history allows me to navigate the nuanced details of "Jersey Boys," offering a well-informed perspective on the real story behind the film and the fascinating dynamics of The Four Seasons' journey.
