MovieChat Forums > Million Dollar Babies (1994) Discussion > The real story

The real story

posted 18 years ago by janelafey
12 replies | jump to latest

If you'd like to know the real story, read the book by the Dionnes: WE WERE FIVE. It's heart wrenching. They actually loved their life separated from their parents and siblings, but at age 9 that all changed. What should have been a grand reunion was actually the beginning of years of child abuse. Their mother abused them verbally and made them work like servants. They were deliberately stripped of the lovely things they brought home with them, their siblings hated them for being special and having such a lovely life, and the worst thing they report is that their father tried to molest them!

Their people skills were woeful. They had depended on each other so much, they had no idea how to interact with others. Consequently, it took them years before they had the courage to get away from their abusive parents and their jealous brothers and sisters.

I enjoyed the movie, but that was before I read their book. The book would make an explosive movie, but it will probably not be made in their lifetimes. I think there are only two left now. They live quietly, trying to shun the spotlight that they never asked for.

[–] CathyE 17 years ago

Agreed.

I enjoyed the movie, but I did think it painted the parents in a far too favourable light. The movie makes them out to be practically saints, who were robbed of their children.

I haven't read the book you mentioned, but I've seen interviews with the Dionnes, where they hint at sexual abuse from the father, and make it very clear that they hold no ill will towards Dr. Dafoe, and really think of him as their father.

It's surreal to think this actually happenned. It's amazing they turned out as "normal" as they did.

“I always tell the truth…even when I lie” - Scarface

[–] princessSimon 17 years ago

Call it artistic license. No movie is exactly as the book or true story was. In fact no movie is exactly as the original screen play was. They are all changed to what will get the best ratings, the most viewers, and the most money.

Please forgive my spelling. I have dyslexia and I often make mistakes.

[–] CathyE 17 years ago

Ummm, yeah, we know what artistic license is. The point is sometimes it's warrented, and sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it's necessary, and sometimes it isn't. But thanks for your imput.

“I always tell the truth…even when I lie” - Scarface

[–] princessSimon 17 years ago

Just trying to be helpful. the posters on the thread are quite mature to others i've come in contact with. I used that exact phrase on another boadrd and thy asked what it was.

Please forgive my spelling. I have dyslexia and I often make mistakes.

[–] jbrewer-1 17 years ago

If you want a more wide-ranging, factual account, read "The Dionne Years" by Pierre Berton. Personally, I think Oliva and Elzire Dionne were as much victims as their children. "The Dionne Years" also gives the family's side of the story, and how hard it was to have five spoiled little princesses (because let's face it, that's what they were!) come into their home and expect to be the centre of attention. As for the allegations of sexual abuse, the family utterly denies it!!

[–] kittd82 17 years ago

i'll check both
but since the OP is probably not here anymore
dont think of the book by the five princess as FACT.
everything written can not be believed.

there could be a number of reasons for them to make
accusations about their birth family and exaggerate it.

This is A Sig
---
This Aint No Fanboard!

[–] jespry 17 years ago

If they loved their life away from their parents, why did they sue (and win) the Canadian government for exploiting them during Quintland?

Their childhood was tragic through and through.

[–] agilitygirl3 17 years ago

Because the truth of the matter is, they were exploited. And regardless of whether or not they loved it, that money was theirs. They paid for everything down to their own birthday presents.

It had to have been hard...

What is a circumcision?
It's the latest craze. The ladies love it!
I'll take one.
I'll take two!

[–] VCR 16 years ago

I remember when a family in the mid 90's was on Dateline and etc. (I forget their names but they were everywhere) The Dionne sisters beg them not to keep exploiting them. The family in the 90's had their quints in a carival while ppl took pics!

CORRECTION: It the McCaughey septuplets!

I'll give him 20 more minutes-and that's it!- Airplane!

[–] kdg247 14 years ago

Actually if you would like THE OFFICIAL REAL story of them, ask my grandfather. I'm related to them, he's closer though. I remember when I was little he went to visit them. We still have a bunch of their things too, like plates and pictures and the first edition movie/books. Amazing that people still talk about them, really.

oo, drama!

[–] g_dekok 12 years ago

It'd be interesting to see the real story of them. Our family, in 1967, went to the Montreal World's Fair, and I remember stopping at the museum on the way home.

As my mother said, "Those kids couldn't even go to the bathroom without the whole world knowing it!"

[–] VCR 9 years ago

I would love to see this again! I remember it years back on CBS

Reva and Josh
Phillip and Beth
Lily and Holden
Bob and Kim
Tom and Margo