MovieChat Forums > The Temptations (1998) Discussion > 'Melvin, come out from behind that tree,...

'Melvin, come out from behind that tree, and zip up that jacket!'

posted 12 years ago by chihuahuaboydh-724-612855
10 replies | jump to latest

Jenifer Lewis did a wonderful job playing Mama Rose Franklin in the movie! She seemed rather suspicious of Otis Williams at first, but quickly grew to like him. It's rather surprising the real Mama Rose would sue Otis for defamation of character. Not her per se, but on behalf of her son. It has been said that Melvin Franklin died in a hospital room bed, not in his mother's kitchen, as was mentioned in the movie. Both Rose & Haz (Otis's mother) seemed like real sweethearts. I know Haz passed away several years ago. Is Rose still alive? Anyway, a great movie, although some incidents portrayed within the movie's storyline have been smoothed over a bit (courtesy of Otis)!

Larry Appleton: "I have..."
Balki Bartokomous: "Oh, God!"
Larry Appleton: "...a plan!"

[–] b-touch 12 years ago

Rose Franklin is, as far as I know, still alive. She was interviewed for the latest book on the Temptations, printed in 2010.

[–] Kelea7 11 years ago

Do you know why? He was the most likeable character in the movie.

[–] b-touch 11 years ago

Mama Rose sued the production because they depicted Melvin's death in an entirely different manner than it actually occurred. This was because Melvin had just died, and many of the people involved in toe production were friendly with him and still grieving. Therefore, they chose not to show his death as it actually occurred.

[–] Kelea7 11 years ago

I had always thought the death was more symbolic then literal. I'm still a little puzzled but perhaps it was the overall feeling of disrespect if she (or the others) weren't consulted for the movie or it went against their wishes. Thanks for the info.

[–] HiImRomanian 11 years ago

Rose died march 14th 2013 RIP.

[–] Cristianos 11 years ago

According to Ron Tyson's website, it confirms that Mrs. Franklin passed away recently. (http://rontyson.com/)

My personal eulogy:

Thank you, Mrs. Franklin for raising her son to become one of the best bass vocalists of our time. And as much as I respect Otis Williams and the filmmakers that made this movie, thank you for defending your son's honor when the movie failed to depict his untimely death accurately. Rest in peace, Mrs. Franklin and be reunited with your son at last.

This is my signature. Take it or leave it.

[–] xfastfurious15 10 years ago

agree with Conservative Chris.

"I bet your wondering what a place like this is doing in a girl like me" -The Mummy

[–] domincanredangel 10 years ago

o yes,she is at peace en heaven ahora.(now)

have to see it again tonight!

Thank GOD for dvr...

1 of the best movies EVER done on a tru-story.incredibly sad,but so joyful to watch as well,all are at peace just about now...What a great unique life for the
temps,no male group come close today...

~Para;
Bella~
LOVE BEV HILLS 90210 Por Vida!
One Tree Hill.LIL HOUSE.

[–] jefgg 10 years ago

Jenifer Lewis looked a little young as Mama Rose. But Rose was a young woman when she had Melvin. Melvin was his middle name. He was born David Melvin English. He took his stepfather's surname for his stage name as a teenager.

[–] jefgg 10 years ago

That scene was a little silly. Why did Melvin need to zip up his jacket just to walk across his front yard?

A long time ago I read "Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme" by Mary Wilson. I vaguely remember her telling of how Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin first met. Otis heard that Melvin was a good singer and wanted to talk to him about joining his group. So Otis asked people about Melvin trying to meet him. Melvin heard there was a guy asking about him and thought he was looking for a fight. Otis had a process hairstyle so a lot of people thought he was a "hoodlum". The miniseries didn't get into all that. But you did see Melvin running away from Otis.