The late Albert Magnoli directed this ragged but effective 1984 drama (with lots of musical interludes) starring (the artist formerly known as) Prince as a Minneapolis musician whose ego is his biggest obstacle to fame and love. In the backdrop is a strong story about the character's violent family life and a father made monstrous by broken dreams. Prince's film debut as an actor is not bad at all, and he is surrounded by a few people (Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, and members of his own band) for whom he has served as a mentor in real life. The music is loud and good: "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy"--you remember the soundtrack. --Tom Keogh