Leon & Robert Townsend Discuss Making the Five Heartbeats

[@kingeliii9011]

Robert Townsend is one of the few that never sold out, and was about quality more than quantity. He also doesn't age.

[@robertnelsonjr4648]

Yes sir It doesn't matter if Roberts movie didn't make alot of money or win any awards I love All of Robert Townsend's movie

[@LadySunflower1224]

I agree with both comment's he is phenomenal and classes.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@zacharyjohnson6453]

The film for me is about all the guys in the group, plus the Music 🤘

[@glennmealy2214]

Mlm

[@SayGee476]

You ain't never told a lie.

[@MrLionelg33]

Duck and JT together again reunited.

[@nikkiflaggaly8528]

I love these guys 💖

[@dansefureva7664]

Robert, PLEASE consider doing a movie about Teddy Pendergrass, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Jakie Wilson life. These men were pioneers and I know you can help bring their stories back to life. ❤

[@RobynB200]

Oh wow that would be so good

[@RobynB200]

Slay Stone would be so amazing played by Leon

[@WWAHP]

Don't' forget about the late great Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.

[@SayGee476]

Both men still look great. I love them both. I just finished watching friends and lovers and I'm on a leon high.

[@dansefureva7664]

Robert and Leon you are handsome and gifted men. We love and appreciate all the work you have done. Thankyou!!

[@reneejohnson9256]

I actually just finished watching the five heartbeats movie. Classic film never get tired of watching it! All the actors were great! My two favorite parts were when elanor slapped Big Red at Jimmy's funeral + Eddie and Baby Doll singing in church at the end!!! I love that movie!!!

[@mikekillagreen9432]

I just watched it recently as well. Lol

[@alishamoss6801]

Yes!!!! The Way She Said... GET OUT!!!! After Slapping The Snot Out His Nose. I Feeeelllll Like Going On

[@95Ldunc]

My favorite part is when Big Red said: “My office hours are...from nine to five” 😂😂😂

[@ragingbull3157]

@@95Ldunc yes..yes...yes.. 😂

[@95Ldunc]

@@ragingbull3157 “ Now what you wanna know bout my books? You wanna know bout my books?” 😂😂😂😂

[@luvs2cover]

i love Robert Townsend is so sweet and nice, Leon is much sweeter than i thought, love you talented brothers please keep up the excellent work.

[@inetawright3431]

She is right Leon was so good in that move he was David ruffin

[@LadySunflower1224]

He was David Ruffin!! Nobody looking for you Odis!😂😂♥️♥️♥️♥️he so sexy

[@gutchiespencer2714]

I have LEON (in the Temptations) as David Ruffin on Speed dial! Gudd Lawd!

[@cooper482011]

Damn great interview. Wonderful brothers in Robert Townsend and Leon aka “There Is Only One David Ruffin...”

[@WordWoman111]

Only 1 minute in and I can tell Shaila has done her homework and that this is going to be a great interview. Other hosts should take note.

[@Duval-Dame]

Meteor Man is a classic!! Robert Townsend is one of the best at writing, producing and acting.. Salute 💯

[@rettathomas837]

I always thought that Robert Thompson never received the recognition he deserved, I’m glad to see that he’s finally starting to receive his flowers

[@CodyCole80]

These brothers still look like 30 years ago.

[@lynntuft3671]

It's called taking care of yourself through the YEARS!! and you what they've been saying FOREVER (Black Don't Crack) LOL

[@popoff21]

Let’s not forget Little Richard, Leon was Little Richard and Robert directed the movie

[@jenniferbrown5640]

I like didn’t little Richard movie

[@rhondawoodhouse5508]

Leon embodies his characters! I just watched Little Richard and Leon got that to the core! Great game and talent! He deserves that first name only too! D ⭐️I ⭐️O⭐️ N‼️♥️

[@demetriusjohnson3677]

This is a great interview. I'm glad the interviewer let them express their answers so we can hear and understand their responses.

[@SS-ii6nz]

This interview was outstanding. I never get tired of listening to the making of one of my favorite movies. The Five Heartbeats had the full package. The cast and soundtrack of listening to the Delphonics, Dells and the young lady was outstanding. Robert Townsend created a masterpiece that I will treasure for a lifetime. ❤

[@travisdavis5848]

they look so good

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Love Five Heartbeats.30 years later Black don't crack.

[@stellavickers6240]

I watched The Five Heartbeats with my daughter and we have loved it ever since, 20 plus years ago.

[@thewordkeeper]

Nah. No nobody could be David but David. But Leon's portrayal of Ruffin was extraordinary. Especially when he was singing *_Shout._* I mean he looked just like David. Now that was a wow moment in the picture! I'm glad they picked him to portray Ruffin. Because my biggest pet peeve about biographical movies is when the performers look nothing like the person that they are playing. I just can't help myself. It bothers me. I remember seeing Denzel Washington play high school principal George McKenna. Now Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. And if anyone's seen pictures of George McKenna he's a very light-skinned black man with straight hair. And all I could say while I was watching it was "but... Denzel doesn't look like him." Yeah I know. It's a story that needed to be told needed to be told. So I get that. Also when Robert Townsend was speaking about Temptations member Paul Williams singing For Once in My Life, I remember seeing that show when I was in Jr. High. The next day all anybody could talk about was Paul's performance. It was like "man he sung the mess out of that song." Or "he sung that song hard!" It was the talk of the entire school. I think Christian Payton's portrayal of Paul singing a bit of For Once... at the piano when he was a little Juiced in The Temptations movie was a very close rendition emotional wise on the way Paul sang it. Leon portraying David Ruffin and Little Richard. Jamie Foxx playing Ray Charles. Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison. J-Lo as Selena. Cynthia Gibb as Karen Carpenter and Kurt Russell portrayal of Elvis, which to me is still the definitive Elvis portrayal. These actors were spot-on to me. Some were a bit shorter or taller but I can live with that. I can definitely see Leon playing Sly Stone. He has the look. He said that it probably will make David Ruffin look like a choir boy. Yeah he's about right. I remember in the early seventies there were reports about how Sly being either late for concerts or he was nowhere to be found. It seemed to happen over and over again. Check out Christian Payton as Paul Williams and Paul's original performance of For Once in My Life here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3WxZHmIirV_npI

[@charlescurry8781]

Yeah I hear ya on those actors not looking like the real person. Also I think Leon is to old to do a young Sly. Finally, I'd like to see a tribute to the funk brothers. Other than "standing in the shadows". A lot of my favorite groups used them.

[@ronharris8799]

The 'Five Heartbeats', and 'The Temptations'. Gosh! Two of my, top 4 movies. Malcolm X, and Patton. Are the other, two. Seen them all, about 50 times.

[@TheT151]

One of the most amazing movies and amazing sound tracks

[@kertrinaholt7306]

Robert Townsend! Enough said 💯💯 Thank You Sir

[@gen_x_diva9869]

Wow. I love these men but the interviewer was so warm,, authentic and prepared.

[@TianaGerman29]

Same thing I said! I loved her energy! ❤️😇 super warm!!

[@debynash1]

I am such a fan !

[@ambesa1]

A classic Movie!!! There are plenty of scenes in that movie that make me cry to this down.

[@my1temptation]

Love you Leon!! ❤ So talented, you own every role you play 💯 and so Handsome ❤ too!! 💋🥰♥️

[@ZayZillionz]

Robert Is actually a genius man he has a lot of underestimated projects his movie “Meteor Man” is one I love to this day even without massive budgeting he pulled off some good work

[@mikekaye3874]

This movie was awesome. Meteor Man was awesome. Upset me they raved about Black Panther being the first. I've recommended and have said this for years..I and the world needs more Robert Townsend movies. - Toronto, Canada.

[@michellesmith8912]

I watch this every time it airs. Love it.

[@jonjonharreld5774]

Shaila Scott/WBLS Very Good Interview Love It Fam...Shoot It Would Be Awesome If Robert Could Do A Biopic On Our Group And After 32 Years Of R&B Music, There's Gotta Be A Story About That And The Five Heartbeats Documentary Is Really Good...One Love Fam...

[@christhomas5761]

How can Leon look like he`s 35 years old ? Robert looks good for his age too.

[@anniem.670]

Right, black don't crack at all. They look damn good.

[@wjsjallday9202]

LOVE!!!!!!

[@nikkiflaggaly8528]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@LadySunflower1224]

Just watch it yesterday 20/20❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lyndajay4407]

Shout out to WVON & Herb Kent (RIP) in Chicago! Thanks Robert, you and I are contemporaries I grew up listening to that station too.

[@annetteledesma1795]

Leon u played David so good

[@NikkiJayArtistry]

Please do a play! Just seen the Tempations on broadway this summer and it was incredible! And I said.. when is the five heart beats gonna do Broadway

[@TJDuncan]

Now that’s how you do an interview!!!! Great job

[@valeriegipson3734]

Love both of these guys!!

[@asmodeusashmedai2877]

Awesome interview with legends‼️🖤

[@stillirise4401]

Fun & informative interview! It’s always great when the host is genuinely interested & knows their stuff.

[@aharonbenyisrael8387]

Great interview!

[@cynthiathompson8230]

Love Robert Townsend 💜💜💜 Outstanding Director !!!!!!!!! & Leon An Outstanding Actor....!!!!!!!!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@cynthiathompson8230]

Leon please do the movie Sly from Sly and the Family Stone.... You are super talented....😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗

[@jenniferbrown5640]

When I was a kid I fell in love with Leon from the Madonna just like a prayer video. Been in love ever since. I love you Leon I dated guys that resembled you. Still waiting for that call.

[@raprilsimon2190]

yes. me too

[@TripleBlsdNHlyFvrd]

Look at Duck & JT/DavidRuffin😀😀😀

[@tr3yhoncho199]

Dont forget he played little Richard too

[@kimothyharrell5880]

✊🏿 brothers

[@cyncity9978]

I love them! That song though...some people run at the first sight of stormy weather....

[@brendaphillips6379]

Great talent!

[@tisha5414]

BLACK DONT CRACK , LOVE THEM ♥

[@angelarene5744]

Both dont aged

[@kabelion11]

As a native Peorian, I too want Mr. Townsend to direct, produce and write a Richard Pryor biopic. I have a feeling he'd do it the right way.

[@aharonbenyisrael8387]

I'm from the P too, that would be great!

[@mydebby2hot]

Leon & Robert Townsend 💙 ❤ ♥ 👌 Handsome's awwwwww

[@msdecemberloveangel8236]

My favorite part of the 5 heartbeats was when Eddie was discussing to Flex how Flex trying to riff like Eddie. U trying to riff like me? Eddie I love his voice. I feel like going home!!

[@rockwolf7777]

The Teddy Pendergrass story.

[@dansefureva7664]

Yesss. Please read his book Truly Blessed!!!!!

[@jonjonharreld5774]

Shoot It Would Be Awesome If Robert Could Do Our Biopic Pic...One Love Fam...

[@deandreray3500]

Tyrese would be a good one

[@24kRiverGold]

I KNOW THIS MOVIE WORD FOR WORD.

[@blaktronica]

Great interview Questions!!!

[@dassehmc]

Don’t ever disrespect the real David Ruffin like that that man despite his problems was one of a kind

[@valerieking3014]

❤ "Dedication" true. ❤ "Love" 👍👍

[@korysmith5871]

Love meteor man wish it had sequel

[@bro.mauricebenson-bey983]

Can't nobody sing like Eddie Kane Jr., I still got the PIPES.

[@annetteledesma1795]

Awesome they are great

[@CBrown9758]

Come on Robert Sly Stone with Leon!

[@46st]

Thanks

[@mrlbuxton]

In the movie Duck and Jt reminds me of me and my brother.

[@EliteEasyE]

Would love to see Curtis Mayfield.

[@cynthiathompson8230]

Leon please consider playing the life of Sly from Sly and the Family Stone.. Hook that up with Robert Townsend 😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗😗

[@annetteledesma1795]

Yes! Broadway love 5 hearbeats

[@TLady2005IAM]

You great too in my vision the( greatest!) So look again you the greatest and I hope you know. Thank you God for this young.

[@demetriusjohnson3677]

How about doing a Jimi Hendrix story

[@markjefferson2434]

Sam Cooke story! Donny Hathaway! Luthor!

[@cooper482011]

Mark Jefferson Include the Otis Redding Story and Aretha Franklin Story

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder

[@WWAHP]

What about the stories of Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes?

[@dexterhunter2299]

The Isley Bro's story.

[@jonjonharreld5774]

Shoot It Would Be Awesome If Robert Could Do A Biopic On Troop...After 32 Years Of R&B Music History There's Definitely A Story In That...One Love Fam...

[@Dominion-1]

This may sound weird but the female host kind of reminds me of NFL HOF *Chris Carter*.

[@EliteEasyE]

Bobby Womack, Richard Pryor, Sly Stone, and Paul Mooney, Eddie Murphy, - all intersect.

[@jedi1967]

Leon, is like "Damn why dey bring up da Madonna video?" at 3:06 while he looks down...

[@dansefureva7664]

Lol

[@Rid]

Man that was a hot video back then lol

[@LuckyShowTime]

Meteor Man is so underrated

[@mikedaflexta]

She was a great host.

[@fuhyou3223]

I’ve seen the documentary and they didn’t make one mention of the soundtrack. I wonder what kind of headache that was amongst the headaches of making the actual film.

[@2minnieme]

What was Cynthia Bailey’s role in the five heartbeats ?

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Probably an extra.

[@Eallison4347]

She just auditioned as far they stated in the interview.

[@dorolibaugh5247]

Leon (Duck) still look good😁

[@lilsauce1277]

IS THAT PLAY A THING YET?! OH MY GOD, PLEASE!

[@nycfunk]

In my mind, Leon did not play the David Ruffin role. Michael Wright's character Eddie King Jr. was the David Ruffin who like David fell from grace.

[@corleo02672123]

They’re not talking about Leon’s role in “The 5 Heartbeats”... Leon literally played David Ruffin in “The Temptations” movie.

[@nycfunk]

@@corleo02672123 Oh that''s right! I forgot. Thank you.

[@corleo02672123]

nycfunk You’re welcome brother.

[@TheLeeLife]

I think Leon is the youngest looking 58yr old I’ve ever seen lol

[@alacarte5073]

No way!!!

[@chariotwofilthy8374]

Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story of what happens when you hear love these man that love to act very much respected real man no matter what. People say about black men no other race can be like a real black man can real up lefting men Linda joy,❤️💯⚓❤️❤️❤️❤️⚓⚓⚓⚓ free

[@warrenjohnson8342]

Watching 5 heartbeats when u little is alot different from watching it when u grown

[@RobynB200]

My son has Autism he loves watching Media Man

[@MONEY-zi8zb]

I Did not know R Kelly auditioned for The Five HeartBeats... Aint no way I would have rejected that talent. Even if R Kelly worked behind the scenes....it wouldve been a deal made.

[@erichill3827]

I would like to see Robert Townsend story. Remember he was part of "The Black Pack"

[@syckindahead]

Is the documentary available?

[@amihogatai8432]

quincy jones tells a similar story of musics being dangled out the window come contract time. mafia stuff.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Like Vanilla Ice. Lol

[@katiemetzger3286]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! In celebration of the spookiest day of the year, our new episode today is the extended Director's Cut of LORD OF THE STINGS! Enjoy! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iafEgqiXeMeIeK8

[@ravenbellamy24]

Leon has a wife and a daughter wow Leon is funny specially when he ain’t nobody coming to see you oits love that

[@quintonholden2579]

IM SMART I KNEW HE WAS FINNA SAY LOVE

[@A1treshawn]

R. Kelly could've played Bird

[@DJGary0910]

No. LOL

[@DJGary0910]

@Connie Hollins yeah i heard 1 of them but definitely not Bird

[@kokokouture1761]

He wouldn't have been able to read the script😔😉

[@mikekillagreen9432]

No because Duck had a little sister in the movie and he would have been around her.

[@shonteriahamner2910]

Mike Killagreen dumb comment

[@sylviabrown5263]

Checkout the Black Godfather Clarance Avant Story, Quincy Jones tells the story of Jackie Wilson getting hung off the balcony by the Mafia guys

[@chasityhamilton2998]

Where can I watch the documentary

[@curtismichael4703]

I just watched it on Amazon Prime.

[@themightydells]

Heikki Suosalo 2 years ago Hi! Just a few sentences from my interview with the members of the Dells in the late 1990s: Chuck Barksdale: "This was not supposed to be a story about the Dells from the beginning. This was supposed to be a story about a stand-up vocal group, black, that was gonna be a comedy. Robert Townsend, the director, was brought to our dressing room by a young lady by the name of Kitty Sears, because he wanted to come and ask us, if it would be okay for him to use "Stay In My Corner" and "Oh What A Nite" in this up-coming comedy. When he mentioned 'comedy', Marvin Junior chimed in and said 'hey, wait a minute, ain't nothing funny about being a black stand-up vocal group. It's a major struggle, and the struggle continues today.' Robert said 'well, tell me more', and asked 'wait a minute, are you guys on tour now?' We said 'yes, we're on tour for the next six weeks.' He said 'do you mind, if I travel around with you. I like what I'm hearing so far.'" He travelled with us for the next six weeks. He watched our comradery, he heard us argue, saw us work on stage, riding on a bus, have dinner together. He took that and literally changed the script." Marvin Junior: "That was 85 % our story. When it was in the theatres, it was not that successful, but then they put it on video and on television, then it became very popular. The company didn't know how to handle that. They were so busy with the black movies with the killing and drugs and the whole bit - and here came a movie about entertainers, and they didn't quite know how to handle that." Michael McGill: "Don't ever let any other group or anybody else tell you that the movie was about them. Robert Townsend travelled with the Dells. Marvin told Robert things, and he was taking it all in --- so the story came from the Dells. Couch T.

[@LGKids]

They gotta do a Versuz against Bird and Flash! Lol! #Jude2!

[@Mr704kiam]

Do a movie about slick Rick I wanna know what his life was like

[@jedi1967]

wuz the deal people making up Twitter accounts trying to impersonate the real people???

[@TravelMan-v8y]

Still no Broadway show

[@bro.mauricebenson-bey983]

" How it FEELS to be ME!??