I am sure this is old news but just in case you did not know, there is a movie called Cadillac Records which is the story about how it was started and features Little Walter and other guys...good movie! Check it out if you have not seen it. I really liked it.
So many errors in the plot & timeline it would take another whole film to put them right.
Marshall Chess consulted but seems aware that he made a "deal with the devil", film makers want the "story" & screw the facts.
Nevertheless, Geoffrey Wright, Mos Def & Eamonn Walker all put in excellent performances...Adrien Brody, er, not so much...Columbus Short...well, we won't even go there!
Marshall told the story of how Muddy & the old blues artists would tease him about his coming of age, Muddy would enquire, "So, Chess, did you get any yet?". During the filming, Marshall goes on set, Geoffrey Wright sidles up to him in character & hits him with, "So Chess, did you get any yet?". Marshall said that his blood ran cold!
There was another film made in Canada that Marshall consulted on, "Who do you love"...not seen, or even heard much about that one?
There are guys on this list & harp-l who know vastly more about the Chess records story than what little can be gleaned from that film. "Spinning Blues Into Gold" by Nadine Cohodus is a "must read" for anyone who has a genuine interest in the Chess story.
I thought it was an enjoyable, but not factual film. It's a nice piece of fiction loosely based on a true story. Sadly, I know too many people that consider it the gospel truth.
Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf is phenomenal. Beyonce Knowles as Etta James sings a version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" that is absolutely off the hook. The best part of this movie is that THE MUSIC NEVER STOPS!
I totaly enjoyed that movie, even though it's so full of misinformation. During the scene where they're laughing about Hubert Sumlin's name, the real Sumlin is playing a sideman. I think Kim Wilson did the harp work. The sign from the movie, "Chess Records Service Entrance", is hanging in my garage by the entrance to my woodshed. ---------- I used to be young and foolish. Now I'm not so young.
Anyone see the other movie about Chess Records "Who Do You Love"? I heard that it was supposed to be better than "Cadilac Records", but I can't seem to find it anywhere?
I loved cadillac records however the part about little walter dying on muddys doorstep is not true and really dont think little walter pulled out a pistol and shot an imposter
@ Matzen: "Anyone see the other movie about Chess Records "Who Do You Love"? I heard that it was supposed to be better than "Cadilac Records","
Well, it's no more historically accurate looking at that clip, doesn't mean it won't be entertaining in it's own right though. I don't know why all these films have to portray Leonard Chess as a philanderer.
though theres fiction in the movie Im glad it showed the rolling stones coming over and then muddy and willie dixon welcomed in london by the british who did so much more to promote blues music than was ever done here
Just wanted to state that my biggest beef with this movie (of many beefs) was the choice of Kim to play the Little Walter parts. Kim's sound is so distinctively "KIM" that I found it distracting. Now, please understand that the above statement is the highest compliment I can offer (I've actually told this to Kim's face). He can play in the style of 50's Chicago blues as well, or better than anyone, but he's developed his own, very distinct sound.
For a movie part that's supposed to be Walter, I would have gone with Bharath. Although I disagree personally with the tribute approach, Bharath's Walter-like playing is amazingly uncanny.
Last caveat. It's a philisophical difference, based on my musical taste. I mean to take nothing away from either of these guys' huge talent and skill.
I agree with Barry C. loved the flick so much, I bought a copy for myself. Whenever you see a movie that it is either based on a true story or inspired by a true story, inevitably the criticisms pop up regarding the films inacurracies. Happened with the Buddy Holly Story starring Gary Busey, and countless others.
Never bothers me, I accept that for length reasons and good story telling the screenplay writers invariably deviate from a 100% acurate story. I never take these things as the ultimate authority. If I was looking for that..I'd look for a documentary.
somebody told me they used kims playing for little walter in the movie its all about the story and hope those who were unaware of little walter know about him after seeing cadillac records
