Friday, March 28, 2008

Flashback Friday - Diana Ross - "Do You Know Where You're Going To" (Theme From Mahogany)

I just want to say I went to the bank yesterday to get some euros. I almost cried. One euro equals $1.66. At this rate I will burn through my Rome fund very quickly. Everyone said it would bottom out at $1.50, now it looks like we may hit $1.70. Che cazzo!! (that is Italian for WTF).

I was too young to have seen this movie when it came out in '76 but I have watched it on TV a bunch of times. I mean who can forgot the classic Billy Dee Williams line, "Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with."

The movie is so '70s campy and over the top but love that theme song, beautiful melody, and lyrics. A few years ago there was a script floating around town that was basically a remake with Beyonce attached to star.

I never saw this clip until I was looking for the song for today's Flashback. Check out where the video was shot. That is deep.

Hope you have a great weekend.

13 comments:

glamah16 said...

OMG!This movie had and still has such a huge influence over my life. When I was little I decided I wanted to lead a glamah life as a fashion designer in Europe. I studied design in Paris, Lived it up, and all roads led me back to my mothers home in Chicago, where I toil for the company thats was influential in the makeup looks in the film.This movie helped our company sell that image to so many woman.I so love Diana and this movie no matter what the critics say! I can so imagine you arriving in Rome looking at the sites via taxi while this theme song plays.Made my Friday a little better!

Jen said...

Way too ironic... It's a gorgeous song and what a gorgeous Diana! So, that will be you on Monday, eh?

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

I love that song, although I haven't seen the film. Yet.

And yes, I *so* hear you on the euro/dollar thing. Far too loudly indeed.

But you're almost here! Woohoo!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I haven't seen that movie in years. It's still a great movie, even if it's a bit cheesy. It also has one of the best theme songs EVER. Certain parts of the movie are more vivid to me than others. I remember that Billy Dee, with his fine self, played the activist and that really creepy photographer guy who shook up her world. I will have to rent this movie, again, just for old times sake. I can’t imagine Ms. B playing that role if they were to remake the film. If this did happen, who would be her leading man? P. Diddy? Jay Z? Denzel? Who? Hummm.

You know another good oldie is Sparkle with Irene Cara and that guy from Miami Vice. I can’t remember his name. This movie also had a song called “Givin Him Something He Can Feel” that was remade by the girl group En Vogue that is amazing. I guess I might as well make it an oldies but goodies weekend and rent this one too. LOL

I am so excited for you and your new life in Italia. Just a couple of days to go, vero? I am looking forward to reading about your journey. I have to get the scoop from you so when I leave next year, I’ll know everything I need to know before I get there.

Thanks for this week's pick.

Ms. ATL

P.S. Did you hear? George Michael is going on tour. ;-)

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

glahah16 - that is a great story. Paris must of been amazing.

jen - doesn't Diana look beautiful! Hopefully I won't freaking out next week. ha

bleeding espresso - paramount recently released on DVD, so it might be easier to find now. Or maybe one night it will be on Italian TV dub.

ms. atl - I say leave the "classics" alone. There is a Sparkle remake floating around as well. sigh. I think Philip Michael Thomas is the actor. I love the En Vogue verison but Aretha's (the original) is still my favorite.

Yes I leave in a couple days. Re: George Michael there are quite a few of his songs (and Whams) that are Flashback worthy.

Paul Daniel Ash said...

I may rename my blog "Italian for WTF." That's simply awesome.

Yeah, I just started thinking of the funds in my savings account as euro rather than dollars. It almost makes me feel like my grandmother, coming here in 1905 with twenty dollars.

Almost...

Claudia said...

That will be you soon-riding through the streets of Rome! I've never seen the movie, but that song is so bittersweet.

Anonymous said...

Miss Ross in Rome? What a coincidence, eh? I've never seen the movie but I used to hear that song on the radio when I was little and it always made me feel a little strange. Sad and bittersweet. Kind of like that song "I've been to paradise but I've never been to me" Remember that one?
Diana was so gorgeous. And I'm sure looking out at all the sites in Rome will be far more romantic for you than my drive from Linate to the burbs in Milan.

Anonymous said...

A remake of Sparkle?!!! Who knew. I am intrigued and yet, horrified at the same time. LOL I am going to see if I can locate the remake in the video store. Something tells me it was probably not worth bringing to DVD.

Again, have a great time in Roma, and stay away from creepy photographer guys. ;-)

Ms. ATL

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

paolaccio - Yes that is a great blog name. :)
I am hoping this is the lowest the dollar will go.

claudia - it is bittersweet.

linda - I do remember that song.
I will be arriving on Tuesday in the middle of the morning rush hour traffic. It might not be so romantic. ha

ms. atl - thanks for the tip. I will def. stay away from creepy photographers.
I should clarify...there was a script floating around that was a remake of Sparkle. It hasn't been made it.

Liz Dwyer said...

I remember seeing this when I was little and sobbing hysterically over it. I am forever ready to write a letter protesting Beyonce being cast in a remake of it. It was campy but no remake needed!

And the Euro!!! What in the world?

Liz Dwyer said...

Do you leave today? I think so! Bon voyage!

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

los angelista - grazie. yes, I left on the 31st, arrived on the first.

I agree with you regarding Beyonce. Please.