The Apple 1980
Directed by
Menahem Golan
Made by
Cannon Film Distributors
Plot Summary
At the 1994 Worldvision Song Festival, a talented brother-sister duo, Dandi and Pandi, portrayed by Allan Love and Grace Kennedy, capture the attention of the youthful audience with their infectious disco number “BIM.” Their performance impresses, but when Alphie and Bibi, played by George Gilmour and Catherine Mary Stewart, take the stage to present “Love: The Universal Melody,” they receive an even more enthusiastic response. However, the broadcast of the event is manipulated by Mr. Boogalow, the president of Boogalow International Music, portrayed by Vladek Sheybal. With the help of his assistant Shake, played by Ray Shell, Boogalow emits a sound that causes the audience to turn against Alphie and Bibi’s heartfelt song, ultimately securing victory for BIM.
As the festival concludes, the celebrations at Boogalow’s opulent home unfold. In a bold move, Dandi slips a drug to Bibi and kisses her during the revelry, leading to an ensuing confrontation with Alphie, who tries to rescue her. Meanwhile, Boogalow’s marketing gimmick unveils a holographic BIM triangular sticker, compelling everyone to wear it prominently on their bodies.
The following day, Alphie and Bibi venture to BIM’s office, where Boogalow expresses his desire to represent them as their agent. While Bibi is thrilled by the opportunity, Alphie remains skeptical of Boogalow’s intentions and wants a lawyer to review the contract before making any commitments. As they wait, other artists perform a lively production number titled “Showbiznes.” Boogalow offers them individual contracts through his lawyers, Michael Logan and Clem Davies. Caught up in a hallucinatory musical sequence, Alphie dreams of Boogalow as a devilish figure, while Dandi lures Bibi into signing her contract, which she ultimately does against Alphie’s wishes.
Soon, Boogalow transforms Bibi’s appearance, initiating a concert tour that propels her to stardom. However, this newfound fame comes at a cost, as society mandates the wearing of BIM stickers and requires daily exercises with police enforcing the regulations set forth by Boogalow’s company. In the midst of all this, Alphie struggles to connect with Bibi, his financial situation deteriorating, and his attempts to get his song “Where Has Love Gone?” recognized thwarted by a producer who deems it outdated. His landlady, played by Miriam Margolyes, encourages him to pursue Bibi, but he faces violence from BIM’s enforcers.
Feeling imprisoned in her glamorous yet suffocating life, Bibi laments her situation while Alphie returns to Boogalow’s lavish parties. There, Pandi tries to seduce him with a drugged encounter, but Alphie escapes at dawn, only to find refuge with a group of old hippies led by Joss Ackland in a secluded cave. Stricken with regret over her choices within BIM, Pandi aids Bibi in escaping to rejoin Alphie.
United, the couple marries and starts a family with their hippie companions, living free from the industry’s constraints. However, after a year, Boogalow and the BIM enforcers track them down, demanding $10 million from Bibi for contract violations. In a moment of desperation, Alphie calls for “Mr. Topps,” prompting a miraculous appearance of a glowing Cadillac from the heavens, revealing God, also embodied by Joss Ackland. Topps intervenes, challenging Boogalow’s hold over them. Together, Alphie, Bibi, their child, Pandi, and the hippies ascend into the sky, with Topps promising to take them to a new planet as the melody of “Love: The Universal Melody” echoes in a triumphant reprise.
Timeline
The Worldvision Song Festival Begins
In 1994, the Worldvision Song Festival kicks off, showcasing various musical talents. The audience eagerly anticipates performances from talented duos, including Dandi and Pandi who take the stage first with their lively disco number 'BIM.'
Dandi and Pandi's Performance
Dandi and Pandi deliver an infectious performance of 'BIM,' captivating the youthful audience present at the festival. Their energy and charisma earn them significant applause, reflecting their talent and the excitement of their musical style.
Alphie and Bibi Take the Stage
Alphie and Bibi follow up with their heartfelt song 'Love: The Universal Melody.' Although their performance resonates with the audience, a sly manipulation by Mr. Boogalow shifts the crowd's support towards Dandi and Pandi's earlier act.
Boogalow's Scheme
Mr. Boogalow, the influential music president, manipulates the festival broadcast, causing the audience to turn against Alphie and Bibi's song. His actions ultimately secure a victory for Dandi and Pandi's 'BIM,' demonstrating his powerful influence over the event.
Celebrations at Boogalow's Home
The festival celebrations continue at Boogalow's extravagant home. Dandi, under the influence of bravado, slips a drug to Bibi and kisses her, creating tension between Alphie and Dandi, as Alphie rushes in to defend her.
Holographic BIM Stickers Unveiled
At the celebration, Boogalow showcases a holographic BIM triangular sticker, encouraging festival-goers to display it prominently on their bodies. This marketing gimmick becomes a symbol of the festival's influence over its participants.
Bibi and Alphie's Dilemma
The following day, the excitement continues as Alphie and Bibi visit BIM's office to discuss a potential representation deal with Boogalow. While Bibi is eager to join, Alphie remains cautious, suspecting ulterior motives in the offered contract.
Signing the Contracts
Meanwhile, Dandi persuades Bibi to sign a contract with Boogalow despite Alphie's objections. This decision marks a turning point for Bibi, as she is swept up into the music industry's glamour and pressure, distancing herself from Alphie.
Bibi's Rise to Fame
With the deal signed, Boogalow transforms Bibi's image and initiates an aggressive marketing campaign, launching her into stardom. Although she enjoys the fame, it comes with strict demands, including mandatory wearing of BIM stickers.
Alphie's Struggles
As Bibi's fame skyrockets, Alphie faces the harsh reality of financial instability and a lack of recognition for his song. His landlady encourages him to pursue Bibi, but he faces violence from BIM's enforcers, complicating his situation.
Bibi's Internal Conflict
Feeling trapped in her glamorous but oppressive life, Bibi mourns the loss of her authentic self. Meanwhile, Alphie continues to navigate Boogalow's lavish parties, revealing the stark contrast between their lives.
Alphie Finds Refuge
After narrowly escaping an unwanted situation, Alphie finds refuge with a group of old hippies living in a secluded cave. This encounter provides him with a sense of freedom and community, contrasting sharply with his experiences in the industry.
Pandi Aids Bibi's Escape
Regretful of her choices within BIM, Pandi aids Bibi in escaping the constraints of her newfound fame. Together, they reconnect with Alphie, beginning a journey of rediscovery and love outside the industry's pressure.
A New Life Together
Alphie and Bibi unite and marry, living happily and freely with their hippie companions. They embrace a world away from the music industry's underbelly, cherishing the simple joys of life and love.
Confrontation with Boogalow
After a year of happiness, the tranquility is shattered when Boogalow confronts the couple, demanding $10 million for alleged contract violations. In an unexpected twist, Alphie calls for help, leading to a miraculous encounter with a divine figure, Mr. Topps.
Characters
Alphie (George Gilmour)
Alphie is a passionate and determined character who deeply values integrity and artistic expression. His skepticism towards Boogalow's intentions reveals his protective nature, particularly regarding Bibi's well-being. As the pressures of fame mount, Alphie's struggle to maintain a genuine connection with Bibi underscores the film's central conflicts.
Bibi (Catherine Mary Stewart)
Bibi is a talented and ambitious young woman whose journey to stardom reflects the complexities of fame. She grapples with her identity as her appearance and public persona are transformed by Boogalow's influence. Despite her initial excitement, Bibi eventually feels trapped, highlighting her desire for true happiness beyond the glitz.
Mr. Boogalow (Vladek Sheybal)
Mr. Boogalow is the cunning and charismatic president of Boogalow International Music. He represents the darker side of the music industry, using manipulation and control to achieve his goals. His character's allure and villainy create a significant antagonist that the protagonists must navigate throughout their journey.
Dandi (Allan Love)
Dandi is a key figure in the brother-sister duo, showcasing infectious energy and talent. His loyalty to Pandi and ambition in the music industry illustrate the dynamics of sibling relationships amidst competition. Dandi's carefree attitude often contrasts with Alphie's serious outlook.
Pandi (Grace Kennedy)
Pandi possesses a vibrant stage presence and is integral to the success of the duo alongside Dandi. Her character showcases the thrilling yet complicated nature of fame as she balances ambition with emotional conflicts, particularly in her interactions with Bibi. Pandi's motivations sometimes blur the lines between loyalty and self-interest.
Setting
Time period
1990s
The movie is set during the 1990s, a decade characterized by the rise of pop culture and the disco music scene. This era saw a blending of traditional and modern values, especially within the entertainment industry, where the pressures to conform were immense. Themes of fame and commercialism dominate the narrative, reflecting societal attitudes of that time.
Location
1994 Worldvision Song Festival, Boogalow's opulent home, BIM's office, secluded cave
The 1994 Worldvision Song Festival serves as a vibrant backdrop where performers captivate a youthful crowd with music. Boogalow's opulent home is depicted as a lavish setting filled with celebrations, while BIM's office represents the corporate side of the music industry where contracts are manipulated. The secluded cave signifies a retreat into freedom for the characters, contrasting the pressures of the industry.
Themes
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Fame
Fame is a central theme in the film, showcasing the allure and pitfalls associated with rising to stardom. Characters initially pursue fame with enthusiasm, but they soon realize the compromises and challenges that come with it. The film critiques the superficial nature of the music industry, highlighting how it often prioritizes commercial success over artistic integrity.
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Love
The theme of love plays a critical role, particularly in the relationship between Alphie and Bibi. Their love is tested by external pressures from the music industry and the overpowering influence of Boogalow. Ultimately, their bond serves as a beacon of hope amid the chaos, suggesting that true love can withstand even the most challenging circumstances.
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Control
Control is a pervasive theme that manifests through Boogalow's manipulative tactics within the entertainment industry. The mandatory wearing of BIM stickers symbolizes how societal norms can constrict individuality. The struggle against this control becomes a significant part of the characters' journeys as they seek freedom and authenticity.
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