The Smiley Smile Message Board

I remember watching the Beach Boys movie ( i forgot what it was called) where Brian has a prerecorded tape of simple words, and he uses it inside Capitol.  Can anyone shed more light on this?  Was this true? Thanks

I believe its called The Beach Boys: An American Family. I don't know if it's true, but I really like that movie, even if it is a bit inaccurate the acting is still a lot better than that in the Summer Dreams movie. I also like that movie because it was my first real glimpse into the world of the Beach Boys (before I was aware of what songs they did - I didnt know who I Get Around, California Girls, WIBN, GOK, Fun Fun Fun, surfin U.S.A or any of their hits were by them) - so thats probably part of the reason why I like that movie. But overall an enjoyable viewing experience. I still watch it occassionally, I wish it came out on DVD. From memory, wasn't Alan Boyd on the credits of that movie somewhere? I'm probably wrong :-D

It's true: documented in several books.

That's the funny thing about that mini-series: the detail is impeccable (down to the "I Know Brian's Dad" buttons) but the broader strokes are sometimes contentious ("See, that's your hook")

I think the first part of the movie (Except for how little credit Dennis gets) is almost perfect. I think the second part is terrible.

"I Know Brian's Dad" buttons' what's that?

Murry gave them to attendees at the early concerts.

I don't remember this quote -- what 'hook' were they referring to?

I'm pretty sure Andrew is referring to the Mike Love character coming up with the "hook" for "Good Vibrations" which causes the Brian Wilson character to thank him profusely. The implication was that without Mike, "Good Vibrations" would have been junked.

I know Alan Boyd can speak for himself, but he has stated a number of times on this board that his credit on the miniseries is in no way an endorsement of the results. Apparently things began with the best of intentions on AAF...and ended in recriminations and lawsuits (fitting in a sad way, isn't it?).

That's classic!  I haven't seen the film in a long long time, and didn't remember that part.  You're right Andrew, it is odd how they can catch a little detail like the buttons, while at the same time suggest that Brian Wilson needed anyone (let alone Mike) to come up with the hook of his biggest record. 

Why then is Mike credited on BWPS for GV?? I think the melody belongs to Brian (left hand on the piano) and Mike just inserted the words, "I'm picking up GV's..." on that part.
Thats funny about the pre- recorded tapes played at Capitol! I wonder if Brian ever explained why he did that?

it also refers to a scene when Brian wrote the verses of i get around, and then mike comes up with the chorus

Another drawback with that movie is you having the actor playing Brian adopting a post-'75, "Carl from Caddyshack" style of speech for the early years.

Partly because of that, and also the opening words: "I, I love the colorful clothes she wears" as well as "I don't know where but she sends me there" and "gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin' with her". Brian didn't want to get sued...again.

Mike's part in Good Vibes is not in dispute, it's how pathetic they made Brian look in the scene. begging Mike to write with him again, acting all brain damaged in 66. The actor made some very bad choices.

I agree...it's almost as if they condensed everything from 66-79 into the last part of the movie. I would like to see a real movie or documentary that truly portrays these great musicians with the care and respect they deserve. I never thought of that... Brian begging Mike....thats funny! I would've liked to see Mike going on the trip where he was going to learn how to levitate...guess there wasn't enough time for that.

Summer_Days...thanx for the info on GV's, it is worth knowing to me because in my book there is no better song.

I think Brian was obligated by the contract to attend the meetings, but not to speak.  The tapes were an obnoxious, yet legal way to deal with the label.