362. Hitsville - The Making Of Motown; movie review

 

 

HITSVILLE - THE MAKING OF MOTOWN

Cert 12A

112 mins

BBFC advice: Contains racist language, discriminatory behaviour, moderate threat, drug references

Since I bought a Motown Greatest Hits album in my teens, I have been in love with the music and fascinated by the story of Berry Gordy's hit factory.

But not until Benjamin and Gabe Turner's documentary have I known the inside detail of a record label which literally changed the world.

The key is the level of frankness of Motown co-founder Gordy and his best friend - key songwriter, producer and singer Smokey Robinson.

They return to their studio which is now a museum, run by Gordy's niece Robin Gordy, and delight in recounting history.

They speak joyously of how some of the greatest artists and hits of the 1960s were created and the fun they had.

Meanwhile, collaborators provide their own recollections of the house in Detroit which was known at Hitsville.

Detriot is the clear centre of Motown with Berry, Robinson and many of their artists coming from the city which was buzzing in the 60s, thanks to the Ford Motor Company.

Gordy worked for Ford and based his philosophies for his music company on the assembly line which he had seen function so effectively.

Robinson was his first hitmaker but many other star singers, writers and producers followed.

For example, Martha Reeves who was the company receptionist who got her chance to sing when she stood in as vocalist during a visit by the musicians' union.

Meanwhile, there was the friendly rivalry between The Temptations and The Four Tops and the desperation for the 'no-hit Supremes' to have their big breakthrough.

Oh, and there was the small matter of developing talents such as the genius of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Except for Ross, every significant living person is interviewed and there are archive contributions from those who have passed as well as affirmations of Motown's influence from the likes of Jamie Foxx and John Legend.

There is also scintillating music throughout.

I have read some reviews which suggest disappointment over this documentary. We can only say as we see... Mrs W and I loved it.

Reasons to watch: First-hand account of the fabulous music factory

Reasons to avoid: If you don't like music or history

Laughs: Two

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? Berry Gordy launched Tamla Records (Later Tamla Motown) with an $800 loan from his family and royalties earned writing for Jackie Wilson, (he co-wrote “Reet Petite”).

The final word. Claudette Robinson: "It caught the spirit, and there were times it was also emotional. We were teenagers when this all happened; Now I'm a grandmother." Billboard

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