Vanity performing "Pretty Mess" on Soul Train (1984)

wild animal

OldFriends4Sale said:

The Last Dragon (sometimes listed as Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon) is a 1985 martial arts film produced by Rupert Hitzig for Berry Gordy and directed by Michael Schultz.^[3] The film was a critical disappointment but a financial success, and is now considered a cult classic. The film stars Taimak, Vanity, Julius J. Carry III, Chris Murney, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Faith Prince. Choreography was done by Lester Wilson and Lawrence Leritz. It was released in theatres by TriStar Pictures on March 22, 1985.

Set in New York City, the movie follows a martial artist named Leroy Green (a/k/a Bruce Leroy), who has dreams of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee. His master (Thomas Ikeda) explains that he has reached the final level of martial arts accomplishment known as "The Last Dragon". Martial artists who reach this final level are said to be able to concentrate such mystical energy into their hands that they begin to glow. Only a true martial arts master would be able to exhibit "The Glow" over his entire body. Leroy doesn't fully understand and, in possession of a medal supposedly belonging to Bruce Lee, Leroy embarks upon a journey to find Master Sum Dum Goy, whom his master claims can help Leroy unlock the power of "The Glow".

Another martial artist, Sho'nuff (Julius J. Carry III) (a/k/a "The Shogun of Harlem") sees Leroy as the only obstacle to being acknowledged as the true master of martial arts. Leroy refuses to fight him and a furious Sho'nuff vows that he will defeat Leroy. Sho'nuff and his gang later break in and assault one of the students at Leroy's martial arts school, Johnny Yu (Glen Eaton), demanding that Leroy bow before Sho'nuff. Finally, Sho'nuff and his gang attempt to send a message to Leroy by destroying the Green family pizza restaurant.

Meanwhile, video arcade mogul Eddie Arkadian (Chris Murney) sends his men to kidnap 7th Heaven video host Laura Charles (Vanity) in the hopes of getting his girlfriend Angela Viracco's (Faith Prince) new music video featured on her show. The kidnap attempt is thwarted by Leroy who easily fends off the thugs. He loses his medal during the struggle, which Laura recovers. Later, Leroy witnesses Laura being kidnapped by Arkadian's brutish henchman Rock (Mike Starr). A clue left behind reveals that the kidnappers work for Eddie Arkadian Productions.

Laura refuses to promote Angela Viracco's video on her program, but as Arkadian's men prepare to coerce her by force, Leroy suddenly bursts into the room and rescues Laura once again. Back at her apartment, Laura gratefully returns Leroy's medal. Consumed with vengeance, Arkadian hires Sho'nuff to defeat Leroy and takes control of the 7th Heaven studio, capturing Laura and Leroy's younger brother, Richie, who has snuck in hoping to woo Laura.

Posing as a pizza delivery man, Leroy manages to infiltrate the assumed lair of Master Sum Dum Goy within a fortune cookie factory, but is shocked to discover that the "Master" is only a computer churning out cookie fortunes. Leroy consults his former master for answers, but his master suggests that Leroy has known the answers all along.

Not wanting anyone to get hurt in the process of achieving her stardom, Angela leaves Arkadian and asks Johnny to warn Leroy about his plan. As Leroy returns to 7th Heaven, he is ambushed by an army of violent thugs hired by Arkadian. Leroy's students, led by Johnny, charge into the studio to even the odds. Using Laura as bait, Eddie lures Leroy to a dilapidated building where he finally faces off against Sho'nuff. Sho'nuff reveals his ability to use "The Glow", his hands pulsating with a red aura, and beats Leroy viciously before attempting to force him to acknowledge Sho'nuff as "The Master". As recent events flash before Leroy's eyes, he realizes that his former Master was correct and that everything he needed to achieve the "Final Level" was within him all along. His entire body bathed in the sublime golden light of "The Glow", Leroy uses his newfound power to defeat Sho'nuff.

I love this thread!

Roger Ebert said of Vanity:

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-last-dragon-1985

Of Vanity, let it be said that she has the sort of rapport with the camera that makes us like her instantly; she has a sunny smile, and what can only be described as a sort of inner happiness, and in the middle of this plot about gangsters and night clubs and bloody fights, she floats serenely, a joy to behold.

Vanity had real talent.

Here is an old 1985 review with the video- reviewing The Last Dragon

http://www.thelastdragontribute.com/siskel-eibert-review-the-last-dragon-1985/

I didn’t think these guys would get or appreciate The Last Dragon, but Siskel really loves it; and in fact, gives it a thumbs up. You can tell Ebert sees the film’s charm but lets a few scenes he doesn’t like prevent him from giving it a thumbs up. He loves the chemistry between Bruce Leroy (Taimak) and Laura Charles (Denise “Vanity” Matthews) and of course he lovesJulius Carry III’s portrayal of Sho’nuff. They both rave about Taimak and Vanity, talk about how much they love “the Shogun of Harlem goes to the movie scene” and how much fun the movie is in general but Ebert just can’t get past the Eddie Arkadian and Angie subplot… Oh Eddie you are so misunderstood…

Here is a more recent review:

Matthews’ reinvention of herself for the film is part of The Last Dragon’s considerable appeal. If you’ve heard Matthews’ enthusing about the joys of the Pretty Mess on her dress, it’s hard not to laugh out loud at her demure-look-under-the-lashes coyness in the film, complete with Hallmark Card come-ons. “I know what it’s like to lose precious things … and then of course to find them again,” she tells Bruce Leroy Green (Taimak) after the two have been separated and reunited. It’s clumsy and ridiculous and sweet, not least because you can hear Prince emitting a pained soulful “ahhh!” at the Berry-Gordy produced PG Motownification of his R-rated fantasy.

Vanity is not given much credit but she was a lot more than just Prince's girlfriend and lead of Vanity 6 and even more than a playboy model it is nice to see The Last Dragon gave her a vehicle totally

separate from Prince and getting decent reviews.

[Edited 7/29/17 14:48pm]

[Edited 7/29/17 14:32pm]

Best line..

Vashtix said:

Here is an old 1985 review with the video- reviewing The Last Dragon

http://www.thelastdragontribute.com/siskel-eibert-review-the-last-dragon-1985/

I didn’t think these guys would get or appreciate The Last Dragon, but Siskel really loves it; and in fact, gives it a thumbs up. You can tell Ebert sees the film’s charm but lets a few scenes he doesn’t like prevent him from giving it a thumbs up. He loves the chemistry between Bruce Leroy (Taimak) and Laura Charles (Denise “Vanity” Matthews) and of course he lovesJulius Carry III’s portrayal of Sho’nuff. They both rave about Taimak and Vanity, talk about how much they love “the Shogun of Harlem goes to the movie scene” and how much fun the movie is in general but Ebert just can’t get past the Eddie Arkadian and Angie subplot… Oh Eddie you are so misunderstood…

Here is a more recent review:

Matthews’ reinvention of herself for the film is part of The Last Dragon’s considerable appeal. If you’ve heard Matthews’ enthusing about the joys of the Pretty Mess on her dress, it’s hard not to laugh out loud at her demure-look-under-the-lashes coyness in the film, complete with Hallmark Card come-ons. “I know what it’s like to lose precious things … and then of course to find them again,” she tells Bruce Leroy Green (Taimak) after the two have been separated and reunited. It’s clumsy and ridiculous and sweet, not least because you can hear Prince emitting a pained soulful “ahhh!” at the Berry-Gordy produced PG Motownification of his R-rated fantasy.

Vanity is not given much credit but she was a lot more than just Prince's girlfriend and lead of Vanity 6 and even more than a playboy model it is nice to see The Last Dragon gave her a vehicle totally

separate from Prince and getting decent reviews.

[Edited 7/29/17 14:48pm]

Thank you for sharing this. I can picture the highlighted in red too.

purplegirl00 said:

SoulAlive said:

Vanity performing "Pretty Mess" on Soul Train (1984)

at about 2:27,Vanity tosses something into the audience....anyone know what it is?

.

[Edited 7/29/17 18:07pm]

SoulAlive said:

SoulAlive said:

Vanity performing "Pretty Mess" on Soul Train (1984)

at about 2:27,Vanity tosses something into the audience....anyone know what it is?

.

[Edited 7/29/17 18:07pm]

I always wondered the same thing. Looks like something white and plastic. I have no idea...

"The icing on the cake, however, is the performance by sultry pop star Vanity who radiates a sweetness seldom seen in her other work” ~Tony Douglas, Rating The Movies

The Last Dragon is often referred to as a cult classic that is loved by fans but hated by critics. One of the first lines on The Last Dragon’s Wikipedia entry says “The film was a critical disappointment but a financial success, and is now considered a cult classic.” Here is a chart of how fans felt about the movie versus critics.

But did all the critics really hate The Last Dragon back in the day? This article says otherwise.

1985 Review of The Last Dragon by Ian Cranna: “Charming, Funny, Genuinely cheering and not to be missed.”

(Source) http://www.thelastdragontribute.com/

[Edited 7/29/17 19:58pm]

luvgirl said:

The Last Dragon is often referred to as a cult classic that is loved by fans but hated by critics. One of the first lines on The Last Dragon’s Wikipedia entry says “The film was a critical disappointment but a financial success, and is now considered a cult classic.” Here is a chart of how fans felt about the movie versus critics.

But did all the critics really hate The Last Dragon back in the day? This article says otherwise.

1985 Review of The Last Dragon by Ian Cranna: “Charming, Funny, Genuinely cheering and not to be missed.”

(Source) http://www.thelastdragontribute.com/

[Edited 7/29/17 19:58pm]

Under Vanity's pic: Well-known Shakespearean actress Vanity. "Alas, poor Princie- I knew him well.."

Is that a typo? What does that mean anyway and what does he have to do with this movie?

luvgirl said:

SoulAlive said:

at about 2:27,Vanity tosses something into the audience....anyone know what it is?

.

[Edited 7/29/17 18:07pm]

I always wondered the same thing. Looks like something white and plastic. I have no idea...

A garter or earring?

purplegirl00 said:

Best line..

I know this was the 80s but besides the hair thte rest of the outfit could be today. I know it was a movie costume for her character but she was a trend setter /trailblazer

purplegirl00 said:

luvgirl said:

The Last Dragon is often referred to as a cult classic that is loved by fans but hated by critics. One of the first lines on The Last Dragon’s Wikipedia entry says “The film was a critical disappointment but a financial success, and is now considered a cult classic.” Here is a chart of how fans felt about the movie versus critics.

But did all the critics really hate The Last Dragon back in the day? This article says otherwise.

1985 Review of The Last Dragon by Ian Cranna: “Charming, Funny, Genuinely cheering and not to be missed.”

(Source) http://www.thelastdragontribute.com/

[Edited 7/29/17 19:58pm]

Under Vanity's pic: Well-known Shakespearean actress Vanity. "Alas, poor Princie- I knew him well.."

Is that a typo? What does that mean anyway and what does he have to do with this movie?

*

*

That was too funny! I laughed out loud when I read that as well. He's obviously making a joke on the shakesparean part, but I think he's saying she is well known from her Prince days, and seeing her in the movie, he feels sorry for Prince that she left him. In other words… SHE ROCKS… That's my take on it…

*

*

This meme on The Last Dragon site linked above, pretty much sums up his thoughts...

[Edited 7/30/17 8:17am]

luvgirl said:

purplegirl00 said:

Under Vanity's pic: Well-known Shakespearean actress Vanity. "Alas, poor Princie- I knew him well.."

Is that a typo? What does that mean anyway and what does he have to do with this movie?

*

*

That was too funny! I laughed out loud when I read that as well. He's obviously making a joke on the shakesparean part, but I think he's saying she is well known from her Prince days, and seeing her in the movie, he feels sorry for Prince that she left him. In other words… SHE ROCKS… That's my take on it…

*

*

This meme on The Last Dragon site linked above, pretty much sums up his thoughts...

[Edited 7/30/17 8:17am]

Vanity received majority of good reviews for The Last Dragon. She was such a talented woman. She had that IT factor. It was more than beauty.

I've never really cared about what the critics think. That's just their opinion, I'll make my own mind up. Vanity's role in The Last Dragon is my favourite movie role of hers. She comes across as really sweet and warm and very likeable. Motown should re-release this on DVD.

jungleluv said:

I've never really cared about what the critics think. That's just their opinion, I'll make my own mind up. Vanity's role in The Last Dragon is my favourite movie role of hers. She comes across as really sweet and warm and very likeable. Motown should re-release this on DVD.

It would be nice if they re-released her CD's too.

.

I do not care about critics but Vanity is often described as a no talent , just pretty face, that was just a sex /drug fiend.

.

I like to point out that she had a resume prior to Prince and after Prince and had reviews from people outside the music scene that valued her and saw her talents. She was more than Vanity 6.

OldFriends4Sale said:

PMRC's 'Filthy 15':

Explicit Lyrics: "Come on and stroke me/Strap this thing on tight/If you want to glide down my hallway, it's open/Strap yourself in and ride"

Vanity Then: After Denise Matthews met Prince at the American Music Awards in 1980, the future "Darling Nikki" singer appointed her frontwoman of a girl group he eventually named Vanity 6 (after she refused to let him rename her "Vagina"). Prince wrote most of the songs on Vanity 6's 1982 self-titled debut, including the hit "Nasty Girl," and produced the LP. She was originally supposed to play Prince's love interest in Purple Rain, but she severed ties with the singer before filming, telling People, "I needed one person to love me, and he needed more." She put out her first solo album, Wild Animal, in 1984, which contained the suggestive "Strap On 'Robbie Baby'," a tune written by her then-boyfriend Robbie Bruce. In 1985, she posed nude for Playboy.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/pmrcs-filthy-15-where-are-they-now-20150917/vanity-strap-on-robbie-baby-20150917

I'd like to know more about this Robbie Bruce... Who was he? Is there a picture of him floating around? Everyone always wants to see pics of the women Prince were dating. I'd like to see a picture of who Vanity was dating! Plus, she liked the way he rocked, soooo..... I read that he was a recent college grad. Is that it? A college grad? lol I'm assuming he was a producer or someone of the sort as well since he worked on the album with her.

luvgirl said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

PMRC's 'Filthy 15':

Explicit Lyrics: "Come on and stroke me/Strap this thing on tight/If you want to glide down my hallway, it's open/Strap yourself in and ride"

Vanity Then: After Denise Matthews met Prince at the American Music Awards in 1980, the future "Darling Nikki" singer appointed her frontwoman of a girl group he eventually named Vanity 6 (after she refused to let him rename her "Vagina"). Prince wrote most of the songs on Vanity 6's 1982 self-titled debut, including the hit "Nasty Girl," and produced the LP. She was originally supposed to play Prince's love interest in Purple Rain, but she severed ties with the singer before filming, telling People, "I needed one person to love me, and he needed more." She put out her first solo album, Wild Animal, in 1984, which contained the suggestive "Strap On 'Robbie Baby'," a tune written by her then-boyfriend Robbie Bruce. In 1985, she posed nude for Playboy.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/pmrcs-filthy-15-where-are-they-now-20150917/vanity-strap-on-robbie-baby-20150917

I'd like to know more about this Robbie Bruce... Who was he? Is there a picture of him floating around? Everyone always wants to see pics of the women Prince were dating. I'd like to see a picture of who Vanity was dating! Plus, she liked the way he rocked, soooo..... I read that he was a recent college grad. Is that it? A college grad? lol I'm assuming he was a producer or someone of the sort as well since he worked on the album with her.

They should've made an album of the 'Filthy 15' songs. They were all AWESOME. "Strap on Robbie Baby' is such a FUN song. The best line is right at the beginning:

"You want some candy little boy?" Sounds like there was some going on too.

Interesting how both Darling Nikki and this song made it onto the list.

Anyway, I'd also like to see the person who inspired this song.

luvgirl said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

PMRC's 'Filthy 15':

Explicit Lyrics: "Come on and stroke me/Strap this thing on tight/If you want to glide down my hallway, it's open/Strap yourself in and ride"

Vanity Then: After Denise Matthews met Prince at the American Music Awards in 1980, the future "Darling Nikki" singer appointed her frontwoman of a girl group he eventually named Vanity 6 (after she refused to let him rename her "Vagina"). Prince wrote most of the songs on Vanity 6's 1982 self-titled debut, including the hit "Nasty Girl," and produced the LP. She was originally supposed to play Prince's love interest in Purple Rain, but she severed ties with the singer before filming, telling People, "I needed one person to love me, and he needed more." She put out her first solo album, Wild Animal, in 1984, which contained the suggestive "Strap On 'Robbie Baby'," a tune written by her then-boyfriend Robbie Bruce. In 1985, she posed nude for Playboy.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/pmrcs-filthy-15-where-are-they-now-20150917/vanity-strap-on-robbie-baby-20150917

I'd like to know more about this Robbie Bruce... Who was he? Is there a picture of him floating around? Everyone always wants to see pics of the women Prince were dating. I'd like to see a picture of who Vanity was dating! Plus, she liked the way he rocked, soooo..... I read that he was a recent college grad. Is that it? A college grad? lol I'm assuming he was a producer or someone of the sort as well since he worked on the album with her.

I could be wrong,but I think that Robbie Bruce is the blonde guy that plays her love interest in the "Pretty Mess" video.I remember someone said that in a thread about the song/video.

I do wonder what Purple Rain would have been like with Vanity. Certainly Graffiti Bridge would have been better with Vanity's energy in there.

luvgirl said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

PMRC's 'Filthy 15':

Explicit Lyrics: "Come on and stroke me/Strap this thing on tight/If you want to glide down my hallway, it's open/Strap yourself in and ride"

Vanity Then: After Denise Matthews met Prince at the American Music Awards in 1980, the future "Darling Nikki" singer appointed her frontwoman of a girl group he eventually named Vanity 6 (after she refused to let him rename her "Vagina"). Prince wrote most of the songs on Vanity 6's 1982 self-titled debut, including the hit "Nasty Girl," and produced the LP. She was originally supposed to play Prince's love interest in Purple Rain, but she severed ties with the singer before filming, telling People, "I needed one person to love me, and he needed more." She put out her first solo album, Wild Animal, in 1984, which contained the suggestive "Strap On 'Robbie Baby'," a tune written by her then-boyfriend Robbie Bruce. In 1985, she posed nude for Playboy.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/pmrcs-filthy-15-where-are-they-now-20150917/vanity-strap-on-robbie-baby-20150917

I'd like to know more about this Robbie Bruce... Who was he? Is there a picture of him floating around? Everyone always wants to see pics of the women Prince were dating. I'd like to see a picture of who Vanity was dating! Plus, she liked the way he rocked, soooo..... I read that he was a recent college grad. Is that it? A college grad? lol I'm assuming he was a producer or someone of the sort as well since he worked on the album with her.

Could Robbie Bruce be an alias?

OldFriends4Sale said:

luvgirl said:

I'd like to know more about this Robbie Bruce... Who was he? Is there a picture of him floating around? Everyone always wants to see pics of the women Prince were dating. I'd like to see a picture of who Vanity was dating! Plus, she liked the way he rocked, soooo..... I read that he was a recent college grad. Is that it? A college grad? lol I'm assuming he was a producer or someone of the sort as well since he worked on the album with her.

Could Robbie Bruce be an alias?

Maybe you are both right- an alias for a producer on her album. Speaking of producers with aliases, "Skip Drinkwater" produced her second album. BTW, I do know this is real person, but the name cracks me up.

[Edited 7/31/17 15:30pm]

purplegirl00 said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Could Robbie Bruce be an alias?

Maybe you are both right- an alias for a producer on her album. Speaking of producers with aliases, "Skip Drinkwater" produced her second album. BTW, I do know this is real person, but the name cracks me up.

[Edited 7/31/17 15:30pm]

wow Skip Drinkwater

sounds like a Valley Native-American Surfer Hippie

Skip Drinkwater

OldFriends4Sale said:

purplegirl00 said:

Maybe you are both right- an alias for a producer on her album. Speaking of producers with aliases, "Skip Drinkwater" produced her second album. BTW, I do know this is real person, but the name cracks me up.

[Edited 7/31/17 15:30pm]

wow Skip Drinkwater

sounds like a Valley Native-American Surfer Hippie

Skip Drinkwater

I know! He was a soul/funk producer and did albums for some other artists in the mid-70's through the 80's. I saw that name and I was like, what the f... kind of name is that?

SoulAlive said: