That Thing You Do!
Encyclopedia
That Thing You Do! is a 1996 comedy-drama
musical film
written
and directed by Tom Hanks
. Set in the summer of 1964, the movie tells the story of the quick rise and fall of a one-hit wonder
rock
band. The film also resulted in a musical hit with the song "That Thing You Do
".
) is a recreational drummer and jazz
fan who works at his family's Erie, Pennsylvania
appliance store. Rhythm guitarist/lead singer James "Jimmy" Mattingly (Johnathon Schaech
) and lead guitarist/singer Leonard "Lenny" Haise (Steve Zahn
) ask Guy to substitute at the annual Mercyhurst College
talent show for their group's injured regular drummer Chad (Giovanni Ribisi
). The group, including the bass player
(who is never given a proper name and only given the alias of T.B Player) (Ethan Embry
) play a ballad written by Jimmy and Lenny titled "That Thing You Do
". Jimmy's girlfriend, Faye Dolan (Liv Tyler
), suggests for the group the name "The Oneders" after being inspired by Guy's performance at practice (it is pronounced "ONE-ders", but it is almost always mispronounced as the "oh-NEE-ders." or some similar variation).
At the talent show, Guy unexpectedly sets up a fast, pounding beat rhythm
to the originally slow-paced love song and it excites the crowd. The Oneders win the $100 top prize, obtain their first paying gig
at a pizza parlor, and begin selling a single
of "That Thing You Do", which receives local radio airplay
and earns them bookings in nearby cities. After being heard by a local manager, Phil Horace, their act becomes hotter and, at a Pittsburgh
gig, record company A&R
representative Mr. White (Hanks
) signs the band to Play-Tone Records, renaming the group The Wonders. The Wonders and "costume mistress
" Faye tour state fair
s across the Midwest during the summer with other Play-Tone artists, during which Guy and Faye grow closer. "That Thing You Do" enters and climbs the Billboard Top 100
. The Wonders go from being the opening act
to the feature attraction, and throngs of teenage girls mob the band, but the bass player still plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps
at the end of the summer. When "That Thing You Do" hits the Top 10, Play-Tone sends the band to Hollywood to meet Sol Siler (Alex Rocco
), the label's owner. On the flight, Faye comes down with a mild case of flu and only Guy seems solicitous of her comfort. Siler and White promise The Wonders that they will appear in a major motion picture and have a recording session for an album.
The Wonders appear as "Cap'n Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters" in the low-budget beach movie
Weekend at Party Pier; this and Siler's other actions disillusion Jimmy, whose apparent lack of interest in anything (or anyone) that doesn't help him forward his career clearly disturbs White and, slowly, the other members of the band. The bass player leaves the group to join Marines he met at their hotel and never returns. Guy meets his idol, jazz pianist Del Paxton (Bill Cobbs
), at a jazz club. An experienced studio bassist named Scott Pell (Larry Antonino) joins The Wonders for a live performance on The Hollywood Television Showcase. During the nationally televised prime-time variety show, the words "Careful girls, he's engaged!" are captioned on the screen beneath Jimmy's image (an homage to the caption "Sorry girls, he's married!" for John Lennon on The Ed Sullivan Show
). After the show, Jimmy disrupts the Wonders' dressing suite celebration by demanding to know from Faye who suggested they were engaged. As the others listen in horror, Jimmy tells Faye he does not intend to marry her, and Faye brokenheartedly ends their relationship. As everyone but Guy leaves the suite, Guy asks Jimmy why he couldn't have dumped her in Pittsburgh, as he said he should have done as Faye left the suite. Guy's tone of voice is his first overt suggestion that he actually has deeper feelings for Faye. At the recording session, Jimmy is enraged to learn the Wonders are to record mostly songs from the Play-Tone catalog for their album. In an implication that this is his opportunity to teach Jimmy a lesson in humility, White tells Jimmy their Play-Tone contract gives White the final say on the album's material. He promises Jimmy one original song per side of the album but demands "snappy" material, not ballads. Outraged, Jimmy quits the band. Lenny never shows up for the session, having driven to Las Vegas
to elope
with a Play-Tone secretary/former Playboy Bunny
(Lee Everett) after the televised show. White declares the group in breach of contract
but assures Guy that those charges will not be pursued legally. White also hints that Guy—whom he obviously respects the most of anyone in the band—should pursue Faye. Del Paxton, who is recording next door, hears Guy's drumming and the two record a jam session
. Guy later tells Faye that Del thinks he has potential as a studio musician. He also, finally, takes the opportunity to declare his feelings for her.
In a written epilogue
, Guy and Faye marry the following year and raise four children in Bainbridge Island, Washington
, where they start a music conservatory and Guy teaches jazz composition. Jimmy rejoins Play-Tone, records three gold albums with a new band, The Heardsmen (a name he originally suggested for the Wonders) and becomes a music producer in Los Angeles. Lenny manages a casino in Laughlin, Nevada
, and is "currently single". The bass player is awarded the Purple Heart
for wounds sustained at Khe Sanh
while serving in the Marines, and becomes a building contractor in Orlando, Florida
.
Playtone artists
Cameos
, Adam Schlesinger
, Rick Elias
, Scott Rogness, Mike Piccirillo
, Gary Goetzman
and Howard Shore
. In the movie, The Wonders rise to brief stardom on the strength of "That Thing You Do
", a song written as a wistful ballad but which becomes an uptempo rocker during the band's first performance at a talent show. Written and composed for the film by Adam Schlesinger
, bassist
for Fountains of Wayne
and Ivy
, and released on the film's soundtrack, the song became a genuine hit for The Wonders in 1996 (the song peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100
, #22 on the Adult Contemporary charts, #18 on the Adult Top 40, and #24 on the Top 40 Mainstream charts). The track was nominated for a 1996 Golden Globe Award
as well as a 1996 Academy Award
for Best Original Song. Mike Viola
of The Candy Butchers provided the distinctive lead vocals for the Wonders.
In the film, the title song is referenced with "All My Only Dreams" as the B-side. The actual 45 RPM single, released to record stores in North America, features "Dance With Me Tonight" as its B-side. The song has since been recorded
by The Knack
and Bubblegum Lemonade.
The soundtrack album (released under the Play-Tone name in conjunction with Epic Records) was also a hit, peaking at #21 on the Billboard 200
albums chart. The CD artwork is a replica of the fictional Play-Tone label used in the movie, and the liner notes are done in a mockumentary
style, as if the Wonders had been a real group and the events of the film had actually happened.
The song that plays during the film's opening credits
, "Lovin' You Lots and Lots", is credited to the fictitious "Norm Wooster Singers", but was actually written by Hanks. This song is a good-natured parody
of Ray Conniff
, Mitch Miller
, and other practitioners of the "beautiful music" or proto-Muzak
formats that were a staple of adult radio during the early 60s such as on KPOL (AM)1540 in Los Angeles. Hanks also composed Guy's jazzy signature drum solo, "I Am Spartacus".
Various Internet rumors claim that Hanks based the band from Erie, PA, in homage to a real '60s group from Erie named the "Orange Colored Sky".
Apollo program. Hanks' most recent live-action blockbuster at the time was Apollo 13
, and Hanks was already at work producing the television mini-series From the Earth to the Moon. These include:
spoke openly about the similarities between The Wonders and The Beatles
. As a purveyor and fan of classic rock, Tom Hanks decided to create subtle yet indistinguishable references between the bands, especially given the era of the film; these include:
In addition, Faye Dolan coming down with flu on The Wonders' flight to California may allude to George Harrison
's having contracted flu on the Beatles' first trip to New York, which compelled Beatles road manager Neil Aspinall
to stand in for him during Ed Sullivan Show rehearsals.
The tour and TV appearance are done in the authentic style of rock bands of the mid-1960s, including Go-Go girls
, elaborate sharing of microphones, and formal clothing in various matching colors.
, increasing to 93% when narrowed down to the selected top critics. The movie debuted at No. 3. However it was only moderately successful at the box office, grossing $25,857,416 domestically and $8,728,000 abroad for a worldwide gross of $34,585,416.
format (as with all 20th Century Fox
films), rather than DVD
. DIVX would fail, and the film was finally released onto conventional DVD on June 5, 2001. At the time, it included the featurette "The Making of That Thing You Do!," and two music videos.
Many of the deleted scenes are devoted to character development. A tastefully steamy look at Guy's "make-out" session with Tina at his apartment is included. The extended version also goes more in-depth with Guy's developing relationship with Faye (via mild flirting) and his deteriorating relationship with Tina, as well as Tina's budding relationship with her dentist, Dr. Collins.
in the Tom Hanks Triple Feature DVD anthology set. The actual DVD appears to be the original 2001 disc, with the featurette and music videos.
Comedy-drama
Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film and television programs which combines humorous and serious content.-Theatre:Traditional western theatre, beginning with the ancient Greeks, was divided into comedy and tragedy...
musical film
Musical film
The musical film is a film genre in which songs sung by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters, though in some cases they serve merely as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate...
written
Screenwriter
Screenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:...
and directed by Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
. Set in the summer of 1964, the movie tells the story of the quick rise and fall of a one-hit wonder
One-hit wonder
A one-hit wonder is a person or act known mainly for only a single success. The term is most often used to describe music performers with only one hit single.-Characteristics:...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band. The film also resulted in a musical hit with the song "That Thing You Do
That Thing You Do (song)
"That Thing You Do" is a 1996 song that appears in the film That Thing You Do!. The song is performed by the fictional 1960s band The Wonders, who are the focus of the film.-In the film:...
".
Plot
In 1964, Guy Patterson (Tom Everett ScottTom Everett Scott
Thomas "Tom" Everett Scott is an American film, theatre and television actor. His film work includes a starring role as drummer Guy Patterson in the film That Thing You Do! .-Career:...
) is a recreational drummer and jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
fan who works at his family's Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania in the United States. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth-largest city , with a population of 102,000...
appliance store. Rhythm guitarist/lead singer James "Jimmy" Mattingly (Johnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech is an American actor, writer, and director.-Early life:Schaech was born in Edgewood, Maryland to Joseph, a Baltimore City law enforcement officer, and Joanne Schaech, a human resources executive. He is of German and Italian descent, and was raised Roman Catholic...
) and lead guitarist/singer Leonard "Lenny" Haise (Steve Zahn
Steve Zahn
-Early life:Zahn was born in Marshall, Minnesota, the son of Zelda, who worked for the YMCA, and Carleton E. Zahn, a retired Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor. Zahn spent part of his childhood in Mankato, Minnesota, attending Kennedy Elementary School...
) ask Guy to substitute at the annual Mercyhurst College
Mercyhurst College
Mercyhurst College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.-History:On September 20, 1926, Mercyhurst College opened its doors just a few blocks away from the city's southern boundary. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Erie Diocese, who were led by Mother M. Borgia...
talent show for their group's injured regular drummer Chad (Giovanni Ribisi
Giovanni Ribisi
Giovanni Ribisi is an American actor. His film credits include Gone in 60 Seconds, Boiler Room, Saving Private Ryan, The Mod Squad, The Gift, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Lost in Translation and more recently, Public Enemies and Avatar...
). The group, including the bass player
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
(who is never given a proper name and only given the alias of T.B Player) (Ethan Embry
Ethan Embry
Ethan Philan Randall , although he is known and usually credited as Ethan Embry, is an American film and television actor. He is known for his role as Declan Giggs on the Showtime television series Brotherhood.-Personal life:...
) play a ballad written by Jimmy and Lenny titled "That Thing You Do
That Thing You Do (song)
"That Thing You Do" is a 1996 song that appears in the film That Thing You Do!. The song is performed by the fictional 1960s band The Wonders, who are the focus of the film.-In the film:...
". Jimmy's girlfriend, Faye Dolan (Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler
Liv Rundgren Tyler is an American actress and model. She is the daughter of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, and Bebe Buell, model and singer. Tyler began a career in modeling at the age of 14, but after less than a year she decided to focus on acting. She made her film debut in the 1994...
), suggests for the group the name "The Oneders" after being inspired by Guy's performance at practice (it is pronounced "ONE-ders", but it is almost always mispronounced as the "oh-NEE-ders." or some similar variation).
At the talent show, Guy unexpectedly sets up a fast, pounding beat rhythm
Beat music
Beat music, British beat, or Merseybeat is a pop and rock music genre that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1960s. Beat music is a fusion of rock and roll, doo wop, skiffle, R&B and soul...
to the originally slow-paced love song and it excites the crowd. The Oneders win the $100 top prize, obtain their first paying gig
Gig (musical performance)
Gig is slang for a musical engagement in which musicians are hired. Originally coined in the 1920s by jazz musicians, the term, short for the word "engagement", now refers to any aspect of performing such as assisting with performance and attending musical performance...
at a pizza parlor, and begin selling a single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
of "That Thing You Do", which receives local radio airplay
Airplay
* Airplay is the amount of time a song is played on the radio.It may also refer to:* AirPlay, an audio & video streaming technology from Apple Inc.* Airplay , Foster & Graydon music project from 1980* Citroën C1, Citroën C1 Airplay...
and earns them bookings in nearby cities. After being heard by a local manager, Phil Horace, their act becomes hotter and, at a Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
gig, record company A&R
A&R
Artists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
representative Mr. White (Hanks
Tom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
) signs the band to Play-Tone Records, renaming the group The Wonders. The Wonders and "costume mistress
Costume Designer
A costume designer or costume mistress/master is a person whose responsibility is to design costumes for a film or stage production. He or she is considered an important part of the "production team", working alongside the director, scenic and lighting designers as well as the sound designer. The...
" Faye tour state fair
State fair
A state fair is a competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state's population. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in their categories at the more-local county fairs....
s across the Midwest during the summer with other Play-Tone artists, during which Guy and Faye grow closer. "That Thing You Do" enters and climbs the Billboard Top 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. The Wonders go from being the opening act
Opening act
An opening act or warm-up act is an entertainer or entertainment act that performs at a concert before the featured entertainer...
to the feature attraction, and throngs of teenage girls mob the band, but the bass player still plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
at the end of the summer. When "That Thing You Do" hits the Top 10, Play-Tone sends the band to Hollywood to meet Sol Siler (Alex Rocco
Alex Rocco
Alex Rocco is an American actor. His roles have ranged from comedy to playing gangsters in Mafia movies.-Early life:...
), the label's owner. On the flight, Faye comes down with a mild case of flu and only Guy seems solicitous of her comfort. Siler and White promise The Wonders that they will appear in a major motion picture and have a recording session for an album.
The Wonders appear as "Cap'n Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters" in the low-budget beach movie
Beach Party film
Beach party movies were an American 1960s genre of feature films created by American International Pictures with their surprise 1963 hit, Beach Party, and copied by virtually every other studio...
Weekend at Party Pier; this and Siler's other actions disillusion Jimmy, whose apparent lack of interest in anything (or anyone) that doesn't help him forward his career clearly disturbs White and, slowly, the other members of the band. The bass player leaves the group to join Marines he met at their hotel and never returns. Guy meets his idol, jazz pianist Del Paxton (Bill Cobbs
Bill Cobbs
Wilbert "Bill" Cobbs is an American film and television actor. He has starred in over 120 television programs and movies.-Life and career:...
), at a jazz club. An experienced studio bassist named Scott Pell (Larry Antonino) joins The Wonders for a live performance on The Hollywood Television Showcase. During the nationally televised prime-time variety show, the words "Careful girls, he's engaged!" are captioned on the screen beneath Jimmy's image (an homage to the caption "Sorry girls, he's married!" for John Lennon on The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan....
). After the show, Jimmy disrupts the Wonders' dressing suite celebration by demanding to know from Faye who suggested they were engaged. As the others listen in horror, Jimmy tells Faye he does not intend to marry her, and Faye brokenheartedly ends their relationship. As everyone but Guy leaves the suite, Guy asks Jimmy why he couldn't have dumped her in Pittsburgh, as he said he should have done as Faye left the suite. Guy's tone of voice is his first overt suggestion that he actually has deeper feelings for Faye. At the recording session, Jimmy is enraged to learn the Wonders are to record mostly songs from the Play-Tone catalog for their album. In an implication that this is his opportunity to teach Jimmy a lesson in humility, White tells Jimmy their Play-Tone contract gives White the final say on the album's material. He promises Jimmy one original song per side of the album but demands "snappy" material, not ballads. Outraged, Jimmy quits the band. Lenny never shows up for the session, having driven to Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
to elope
Elope
To elope, most literally, merely means to run away with a girl and to not come back to the point of origination. More specifically, elopement is often used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving hurried flight away from one's place of residence together...
with a Play-Tone secretary/former Playboy Bunny
Playboy Bunny
A Playboy Bunny is a waitress at the Playboy Club. The Playboy Clubs were originally open from 1960 to 1988. The Club re-opened in one location in The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas in 2006...
(Lee Everett) after the televised show. White declares the group in breach of contract
Breach of contract
Breach of contract is a legal cause of action in which a binding agreement or bargained-for exchange is not honored by one or more of the parties to the contract by non-performance or interference with the other party's performance....
but assures Guy that those charges will not be pursued legally. White also hints that Guy—whom he obviously respects the most of anyone in the band—should pursue Faye. Del Paxton, who is recording next door, hears Guy's drumming and the two record a jam session
Jam session
Jam sessions are often used by musicians to develop new material, find suitable arrangements, or simply as a social gathering and communal practice session. Jam sessions may be based upon existing songs or forms, may be loosely based on an agreed chord progression or chart suggested by one...
. Guy later tells Faye that Del thinks he has potential as a studio musician. He also, finally, takes the opportunity to declare his feelings for her.
In a written epilogue
Epilogue
An epilogue, epilog or afterword is a piece of writing at the end of a work of literature or drama, usually used to bring closure to the work...
, Guy and Faye marry the following year and raise four children in Bainbridge Island, Washington
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Bainbridge Island is a city in Kitsap County, Washington, United States, and the name of the island in Puget Sound on which the city is situated...
, where they start a music conservatory and Guy teaches jazz composition. Jimmy rejoins Play-Tone, records three gold albums with a new band, The Heardsmen (a name he originally suggested for the Wonders) and becomes a music producer in Los Angeles. Lenny manages a casino in Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin is a census-designated place in Clark County, Nevada, United States, and a port located on the Colorado River. Laughlin is south of Las Vegas, located in the far southern tip of Nevada. It is best known for its gaming, entertainment, and water recreation. As of the 2010 census, the...
, and is "currently single". The bass player is awarded the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
for wounds sustained at Khe Sanh
Battle of Khe Sanh
The Battle of Khe Sanh was conducted in northwestern Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam , between 21 January and 9 July 1968 during the Vietnam War...
while serving in the Marines, and becomes a building contractor in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
.
Cast
- Tom Everett ScottTom Everett ScottThomas "Tom" Everett Scott is an American film, theatre and television actor. His film work includes a starring role as drummer Guy Patterson in the film That Thing You Do! .-Career:...
as Guy "Shades" Patterson, drums - Johnathon SchaechJohnathon SchaechJohnathon Schaech is an American actor, writer, and director.-Early life:Schaech was born in Edgewood, Maryland to Joseph, a Baltimore City law enforcement officer, and Joanne Schaech, a human resources executive. He is of German and Italian descent, and was raised Roman Catholic...
as James "Jimmy" Mattingly II, the leader of The One-ders, guitar and lead vocals - Tom HanksTom HanksThomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
as Mr. White, the band's second manager (he is briefly addressed as "Andy" by Sol Siler in the film, and the CD liner notes show his initials as "A.M. White") - Steve ZahnSteve Zahn-Early life:Zahn was born in Marshall, Minnesota, the son of Zelda, who worked for the YMCA, and Carleton E. Zahn, a retired Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor. Zahn spent part of his childhood in Mankato, Minnesota, attending Kennedy Elementary School...
as Leonard "Lenny" Haise, guitar and backing vocals and the "jokester" of the group - Ethan EmbryEthan EmbryEthan Philan Randall , although he is known and usually credited as Ethan Embry, is an American film and television actor. He is known for his role as Declan Giggs on the Showtime television series Brotherhood.-Personal life:...
as "T. B. Player," a.k.a. The Bass Player (character's name is never revealed), bass guitar and backing vocals - Liv TylerLiv TylerLiv Rundgren Tyler is an American actress and model. She is the daughter of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, and Bebe Buell, model and singer. Tyler began a career in modeling at the age of 14, but after less than a year she decided to focus on acting. She made her film debut in the 1994...
as Faye Dolan, Jimmy's girlfriend and the band's "costume mistress" - Charlize TheronCharlize TheronCharlize Theron is a South African actress, film producer and former fashion model.She rose to fame in the late 1990s following her roles in 2 Days in the Valley, Mighty Joe Young, The Devil's Advocate and The Cider House Rules...
as Tina Powers, Guy's girlfriend - Bill CobbsBill CobbsWilbert "Bill" Cobbs is an American film and television actor. He has starred in over 120 television programs and movies.-Life and career:...
as Del Paxton, Guy's favorite jazz musician - Giovanni RibisiGiovanni RibisiGiovanni Ribisi is an American actor. His film credits include Gone in 60 Seconds, Boiler Room, Saving Private Ryan, The Mod Squad, The Gift, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Lost in Translation and more recently, Public Enemies and Avatar...
as Chad, the band's original drummer - Obba BabatundéObba BabatundeObba Babatundé is an American actor of stage and screen, known for his Emmy-nominated performance in the television movie Miss Evers' Boys, a NAACP Image Award-nominated performance in the TV movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and a Tony Award-nominated role for his performance as C.C...
as Lamarr, the Ambassador Hotel bellman - Chris EllisChris Ellis (actor)Chris Ellis is an American film and television actor who was born April 14, 1956 in Dallas, Texas.Ellis always wanted to be an actor because of television...
as Phil Horace, the band's first manager - Alex RoccoAlex RoccoAlex Rocco is an American actor. His roles have ranged from comedy to playing gangsters in Mafia movies.-Early life:...
as Sol Siler, founder of Play-Tone Records - Chris IsaakChris IsaakChristopher Joseph "Chris" Isaak is an American rock musician and occasional actor.-Early life:Isaak was born in Stockton, California, the son of Dorothy , a potato chip factory worker, and Joe Isaak, a forklift driver. Isaak's mother is Italian American, originating from Genoa...
as Uncle Bob, Guy's uncle and their first recording engineer - Larry Antonino as Scott 'Wolfman' Pell
- Holmes OsborneHolmes OsborneHolmes Osborne is an American actor, best known for starring in Richard Kelly's films - Donnie Darko , Southland Tales and The Box . He's also played the father of Guy Patterson in the movie That Thing You Do!, and starred in the movie Bring it On. He has made appearances in TV shows such as...
as Mr. Patterson, Guy "Shades" Patterson's strict-but-stupid father. It could be inferred that Guy's desire to leave is because his father is slowly running their appliance store into bankruptcy; he doesn't even pay his daughter for working there.
Playtone artists
- Robert TortiRobert TortiRobert Felix Torti is an American actor.Torti was born in Van Nuys, California. He married DeLee Lively on June 24, 1999. Together, they have three children.-Filmography:*Quincy M.E....
as Freddy Fredrickson - Kennya Ramsey, Julie Harkness, and Darlene Dillinger as The Chantrellines
- Chaille Percival as Diane Dane
Cameos
- Director Jonathan DemmeJonathan DemmeRobert Jonathan Demme is an American filmmaker, producer and screenwriter. Best known for directing The Silence of the Lambs, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director, he has also directed the acclaimed movies Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married, the Talking Heads concert movie Stop...
one of the producers of That Thing You Do!, also directed Tom Hanks in his first Oscar-winning role for PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia (film)Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama film that was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia. It was written by Ron Nyswaner and directed by Jonathan Demme. The film stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington...
, and has a cameo as the director of Weekend At Party Pier. - Comedian Barry SobelBarry SobelBarry Sobel is an American actor and comedian.-Life and career:Sobel grew up in New York City. During the 1980s, he toured the comedy circuit heavily. His routine centered around rapping in a Beastie Boys style....
, who co-wrote Hanks' stand-up material for and was featured in the film PunchlinePunchline (film)Punchline is a 1988 American film written and directed by David Seltzer and stars Tom Hanks as a very talented young comic who helps a housewife, played by Sally Field who wants to break into stand-up comedy.-Synopsis:...
, has a cameo as "Goofball" in Weekend at Party Pier. - Tracy ReinerTracy ReinerTracy Reiner is an American actress. She has appeared in more than 30 movies, among them Apollo 13 and A League of Their Own....
, who played "Betty Spaghetti" Horn in A League of Their OwnA League of Their OwnA League of Their Own is a 1992 American comedy-drama film that tells a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League . Directed by Penny Marshall, the film stars Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O'Donnell...
and Mary Haise in Apollo 13Apollo 13 (film)Apollo 13 is a 1995 American drama film directed by Ron Howard. The film stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Kathleen Quinlan and Ed Harris. The screenplay by William Broyles, Jr...
(both Tom Hanks movies), has a cameo as Anita, the co-star of Weekend at Party Pier. - Musician Chris IsaakChris IsaakChristopher Joseph "Chris" Isaak is an American rock musician and occasional actor.-Early life:Isaak was born in Stockton, California, the son of Dorothy , a potato chip factory worker, and Joe Isaak, a forklift driver. Isaak's mother is Italian American, originating from Genoa...
appears as Uncle Bob who produces the band's first recording, and would later appear as astronaut Edward Higgins WhiteEdward Higgins WhiteEdward Higgins White, II was an engineer, United States Air Force officer and NASA astronaut. On June 3, 1965, he became the first American to "walk" in space. White died along with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a pre-launch test for the first manned Apollo mission at...
in Tom HanksTom HanksThomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
' From the Earth to the Moon miniseriesMiniseriesA miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
. - Actress Rita WilsonRita Wilson-Early life:Wilson was born Margarita Ibrahimoff in Los Angeles, California.Her father, a Bulgarian who worked at a racetrack, was born in Greece. Before immigrating to the US, he had lived in Bulgaria and Turkey....
, Hanks' wife, has a small part as Marguerite, the waitress at The Blue Spot jazz club, whose interest in Guy becomes compromised when Guy realises his jazz idol Del Paxton is in the club. - Tom Hanks' son, ColinColin HanksColin Lewes Hanks is an American actor who is best known for his work as Shaun Brumder in the film Orange County and as Alex Whitman in Roswell. He also portrayed the role of Henry Jones in Band of Brothers and is currently on the sixth season of the Showtime crime drama Dexter...
, appears as a page at the City of Broadcasting. He can be seen escorting Faye (Liv TylerLiv TylerLiv Rundgren Tyler is an American actress and model. She is the daughter of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, and Bebe Buell, model and singer. Tyler began a career in modeling at the age of 14, but after less than a year she decided to focus on acting. She made her film debut in the 1994...
) from her car to her seat in the studio audience. His role is slightly expanded in the extended edition DVD. - Elizabeth Hanks, Hanks' daughter with his first wife, appears as "Bored Girl in Dress Shop".
- Peter ScolariPeter ScolariPeter Scolari is an American television, film and stage actor best known for his roles in the television shows Newhart, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show, and Bosom Buddies.-Career:...
, Tom Hanks' co-star on the '80s sitcom Bosom BuddiesBosom BuddiesBosom Buddies is an American sitcom starring Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari created by Robert L. Boyett, Thomas L. Miller and Chris Thompson. It ran from 1980 to 1982 on ABC and in reruns in the summer of 1984 on NBC....
, plays Troy Chesterfield, host of The Hollywood Television Showcase. - Football player/commentator Howie LongHowie LongHoward "Howie" Matthew Moses Long is an American former National Football League defensive end and actor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000...
appears as Mr. White's driver/partner Lloyd in the extended cut; his part was entirely cut from the theatrical release. - Bryan CranstonBryan CranstonBryan Lee Cranston is an American actor, voice actor, writer and director. He is best known for his roles as Hal the father in the Fox situation comedy Malcolm in the Middle, and Walter White in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad, for which he won three consecutive Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama...
, appears as astronaut Gus GrissomGus GrissomVirgil Ivan Grissom , , better known as Gus Grissom, was one of the original NASA Project Mercury astronauts and a United States Air Force pilot...
during The Hollywood Television Showcase scenes. He also appeared as Buzz AldrinBuzz AldrinBuzz Aldrin is an American mechanical engineer, retired United States Air Force pilot and astronaut who was the Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing in history...
in From the Earth to the Moon. - Clint HowardClint HowardClinton "Clint" Howard is an American film and television actor. He is a character actor with numerous brief appearances on television and films. He has played many bit parts in movies directed by his brother, actor-turned-director Ron Howard. He is also the uncle of actress Bryce Dallas Howard...
, the brother of Ron HowardRon HowardRonald William "Ron" Howard is an American actor, director, and producer. He came to prominence as a child actor, playing Opie Taylor in the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show for eight years, and later the teenaged Richie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days for six years...
, appears as a KJZZ Disk Jockey. Howard played EECOM Paul Lucas in From the Earth to the Moon and Sy Liebergot in Apollo 13. Both characters were EECOM for the Apollo program, with Paul Lucas being a fictional character. - Kevin PollakKevin PollakKevin Elliot Pollak is an American actor, impressionist, game show host, and comedian. He started performing stand-up comedy at the age of 10 and touring professionally at the age of 20...
(Apollo Program Manager Joe Shea in From the Earth to the Moon) appears as Victor 'Boss Vic Koss' Kosslovich - Gedde WatanabeGedde WatanabeGedde Watanabe is an American theatre, film, and television actor.He was in several dramatic productions in high school, both acting and singing...
appears as a Playtone photographer. - Chris EllisChris Ellis (actor)Chris Ellis is an American film and television actor who was born April 14, 1956 in Dallas, Texas.Ellis always wanted to be an actor because of television...
as Phil Horace, the small-time record producer who gets the band its first radio airplay. Ellis had previously acted in Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks, as Mercury SevenMercury SevenMercury Seven was the group of seven Mercury astronauts selected by NASA on April 9, 1959. They are also referred to as the Original Seven and Astronaut Group 1...
astronautAstronautAn astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Deke SlaytonDeke SlaytonDonald Kent Slayton , better known as Deke Slayton, was an American World War II pilot and later, one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts....
. He later appeared with Tom Hanks as Agent Hanratty's FBI supervisor in Catch Me If You Can. - Charlize TheronCharlize TheronCharlize Theron is a South African actress, film producer and former fashion model.She rose to fame in the late 1990s following her roles in 2 Days in the Valley, Mighty Joe Young, The Devil's Advocate and The Cider House Rules...
appears in one of her first film roles as Guy's girlfriend Tina, before the band becomes famous. - Marc McClureMarc McClureMarc A. McClure is an American actor. McClure was born in San Mateo, California. He is not, despite a popular misconception, related to the late Doug McClure.-Superman film series:...
as the Hollywood Showcase Director; McClure had previously acted in Apollo 13 with Hanks, as Flight Director Glynn LunneyGlynn LunneyGlynn S. Lunney is a retired NASA engineer. An employee of NASA since its foundation in 1958, Lunney was a flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs, and was on duty during historic events such as the Apollo 11 lunar ascent and the pivotal hours of the Apollo 13 crisis...
Music
The movie features original music by HanksTom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
, Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger is an American songwriter, composer and record producer. He has been nominated for Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy , and Golden Globe Awards. He is also a winner of the ASCAP Pop Music Award....
, Rick Elias
Rick Elias
Rick Elias is a Nashville based singer and songwriter.From 1993 to 2002, Elias was a member of Rich Mullins' A Ragamuffin Band.Rick was a founding member of Rich Mullins and a Ragamuffin Band. Today Rick spends his time writing and producing music in Nashville TN., and continues to perform solo...
, Scott Rogness, Mike Piccirillo
Mike Piccirillo
Mike Piccirillo is a music producer, songwriter, and musician who began working professionally in the Los Angeles music business in 1976. In conjunction with production partner George Tobin, and subsequently Gary Goetzman, Piccirillo co-produced 31 albums between 1976 and 1992...
, Gary Goetzman
Gary Goetzman
Gary M. Goetzman is an American film and television producer, and is perhaps best known as co-founder of Playtone with Tom Hanks. Born in Los Angeles, Goetzman began his career as a child actor. In 1984, director Jonathan Demme tapped Goetzman to co-produce the Talking Heads concert film Stop...
and Howard Shore
Howard Shore
Howard Leslie Shore is a Canadian composer, notable for his film scores. He has composed the scores for over 80 films, most notably the scores for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, for which he won three Academy Awards. He is also a consistent collaborator with director David Cronenberg,...
. In the movie, The Wonders rise to brief stardom on the strength of "That Thing You Do
That Thing You Do (song)
"That Thing You Do" is a 1996 song that appears in the film That Thing You Do!. The song is performed by the fictional 1960s band The Wonders, who are the focus of the film.-In the film:...
", a song written as a wistful ballad but which becomes an uptempo rocker during the band's first performance at a talent show. Written and composed for the film by Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger is an American songwriter, composer and record producer. He has been nominated for Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy , and Golden Globe Awards. He is also a winner of the ASCAP Pop Music Award....
, bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
for Fountains of Wayne
Fountains of Wayne
Fountains of Wayne is an American power pop band that formed in New York City in 1996. The band consists of members Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter and Brian Young.-Early years:...
and Ivy
Ivy (band)
Ivy is a New York City band composed of a trio of musicians, Adam Schlesinger, Dominique Durand, and Andy Chase.-Lately and Realistic:...
, and released on the film's soundtrack, the song became a genuine hit for The Wonders in 1996 (the song peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, #22 on the Adult Contemporary charts, #18 on the Adult Top 40, and #24 on the Top 40 Mainstream charts). The track was nominated for a 1996 Golden Globe Award
Golden Globe Award
The Golden Globe Award is an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign...
as well as a 1996 Academy Award
69th Academy Awards
The 69th Academy Awards were dominated by movies produced by independent studios, financed outside of mainstream Hollywood, leading to 1996 being dubbed "The Year of the Independents". All but one of the nominees for Best Picture were low-budget independent movies The 69th Academy Awards were...
for Best Original Song. Mike Viola
Mike Viola
Michael "Mike" Viola is an American singer-songwriter best known as singer, songwriter and "musical architect" of a team he called the "Candy Butchers", a pop-rock band from New York City that recorded three critically acclaimed albums for Sony. A native of Stoughton, Massachusetts, Mike began his...
of The Candy Butchers provided the distinctive lead vocals for the Wonders.
In the film, the title song is referenced with "All My Only Dreams" as the B-side. The actual 45 RPM single, released to record stores in North America, features "Dance With Me Tonight" as its B-side. The song has since been recorded
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
by The Knack
The Knack
The Knack was an American New Wave rock quartet based in Los Angeles that rose to fame with their first single, "My Sharona", an international number one hit in 1979.-Founding :...
and Bubblegum Lemonade.
The soundtrack album (released under the Play-Tone name in conjunction with Epic Records) was also a hit, peaking at #21 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
albums chart. The CD artwork is a replica of the fictional Play-Tone label used in the movie, and the liner notes are done in a mockumentary
Mockumentary
A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
style, as if the Wonders had been a real group and the events of the film had actually happened.
The song that plays during the film's opening credits
Opening credits
In a motion picture, television program, or video game, the opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of the production. They are now usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. There...
, "Lovin' You Lots and Lots", is credited to the fictitious "Norm Wooster Singers", but was actually written by Hanks. This song is a good-natured parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
of Ray Conniff
Ray Conniff
Joseph Raymond Conniff was an American bandleader and arranger best known for his Ray Conniff Singers during the 1960s.-Biography:...
, Mitch Miller
Mitch Miller
Mitchell William "Mitch" Miller was an American musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R man and record company executive...
, and other practitioners of the "beautiful music" or proto-Muzak
Muzak
Muzak Holdings LLC is a company based in metro Fort Mill, South Carolina, United States, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1934, Muzak Holdings is best known for distribution of background music to retail stores and other companies....
formats that were a staple of adult radio during the early 60s such as on KPOL (AM)1540 in Los Angeles. Hanks also composed Guy's jazzy signature drum solo, "I Am Spartacus".
Various Internet rumors claim that Hanks based the band from Erie, PA, in homage to a real '60s group from Erie named the "Orange Colored Sky".
Reference to Apollo Program
Hanks wrote in multiple references to the NASANASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
Apollo program. Hanks' most recent live-action blockbuster at the time was Apollo 13
Apollo 13
Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the American Apollo space program and the third intended to land on the Moon. The craft was launched on April 11, 1970, at 13:13 CST. The landing was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded two days later, crippling the service module upon which the Command...
, and Hanks was already at work producing the television mini-series From the Earth to the Moon. These include:
- Jimmy Mattingly II - named after Ken MattinglyKen MattinglyThomas Kenneth "Ken" Mattingly II, is a retired American astronaut and rear admiral in the United States Navy who flew on the Apollo 16, STS-4 and STS-51-C missions. He had been scheduled to fly on Apollo 13, but was held back due to concerns about a potential illness...
, the pilot bumped from Apollo 13, but who is instrumental in getting the stricken craft home. - Lenny Haise - named after Fred HaiseFred HaiseFred Wallace Haise, Jr. is an engineer and former NASA astronaut. He is one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon. Having flown on Apollo 13, Haise was to be the sixth human to walk on the Moon, but the mission did not land due to a failure aboard the spacecraft.-Early life and...
, Apollo 13 crew member. - Marilyn Lovell & The Geminis - fictional band referencing the wife of Jim LovellJim LovellJames "Jim" Arthur Lovell, Jr., is a former NASA astronaut and a retired captain in the United States Navy, most famous as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission, which suffered a critical failure en route to the Moon but was brought back safely to Earth by the efforts of the crew and mission...
, Apollo 13's flight commander, and the crafts that preceded the Apollos into space. - The Saturn 5 - fictional instrumental group referencing the NASANASAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
rockets that launched the Apollo spacecrafts into orbit. - Virgil "Gus" Grissom - a guest on the "The Hollywood Television Showcase". Gus GrissomGus GrissomVirgil Ivan Grissom , , better known as Gus Grissom, was one of the original NASA Project Mercury astronauts and a United States Air Force pilot...
was one of three astronauts killed in a mishap on Apollo One. - Mr. White (Hanks' character) - Ed WhiteEdward Higgins WhiteEdward Higgins White, II was an engineer, United States Air Force officer and NASA astronaut. On June 3, 1965, he became the first American to "walk" in space. White died along with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a pre-launch test for the first manned Apollo mission at...
was another astronaut killed in the Apollo One mishap.
Reference to The Beatles
Throughout the production of the film, Tom HanksTom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
spoke openly about the similarities between The Wonders and The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
. As a purveyor and fan of classic rock, Tom Hanks decided to create subtle yet indistinguishable references between the bands, especially given the era of the film; these include:
- The play-on-words of band name The Oneders (Wonders) and The Beatles (Beetles).
- The rise to fame of both bands after a change in the initial Drummer (Pete Best to Ringo Starr and Chad to Guy, respectively).
- The change in faster tempo to each band's first mega-hit ("Please Please MePlease Please Me (song)"Please Please Me" is a song and the second single released by The Beatles in the United Kingdom, and the first to be issued in the United States. It was also the title track of their first LP, which was recorded to capitalise on the success of the single...
" and "That Thing You Do!"). - The subtitled message on the television special referring to the lead band member (Jimmy: "Careful Girls He's Engaged" and "Sorry Girls He's Married", John LennonJohn LennonJohn Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music...
) - The drummer Guy Patterson being given the nickname "Shades" based on the glasses he wears (Richard Starkey getting the nickname "Ringo" because of his rings)
- The illogical title of the B-side "All My Only Dreams" (nonsensical titles of Beatles songs such as "Eight Days A WeekEight Days a Week"Eight Days a Week" is a song by The Beatles.Eight Days a Week may also refer to:*Eight Days a Week , a 1999 comedy film*Eight Days a Week , a CW sitcom that never aired...
" and "A Hard Day's NightA Hard Day's Night (song)"A Hard Day's Night" is a song by the English rock band The Beatles. Written by John Lennon, and credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was released on the movie soundtrack of the same name in 1964...
") - The scene in which The Wonders horseplay atop a large map of the United States mirrors a video of The Beatles doing the same.
- One scene has Sol Siler address Mr. White as "Andy" – a possible reference to session drummer Andy WhiteAndy White (drummer)Andrew "Andy" White is a Scottish drummer, best known for replacing Ringo Starr on drums on The Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do". White featured on the American 7" single release of the song, which also appeared on the band's debut British album, Please Please Me. He also played drums on the...
, who appeared on the second (hit) recording of The Beatles' "Love Me Do". - The band members bow simultaneously after each performance.
- Guy's bass drum has the "Ludwig" trademark above the group's name, just as Ringo Starr's did.
- The sudden disappearance of T.B. Player and the introduction of Scott "Wolfman" Pell on bass right before the Wonders' final performance could be considered a nod to the "Paul Is Dead" rumors which surfaced near the end of the Beatles' active career.
- The Wonders' final performance is the only instance in their career where the three singers - James, Lenny and Wolfman - each had their own microphones, just as the Beatles' final performance (on the roof of Apple Studios) is the only such instance in THEIR career (for John, Paul and George).
In addition, Faye Dolan coming down with flu on The Wonders' flight to California may allude to George Harrison
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
's having contracted flu on the Beatles' first trip to New York, which compelled Beatles road manager Neil Aspinall
Neil Aspinall
Neil Stanley Aspinall was a British music industry executive. A school friend of Paul McCartney and George Harrison, he went on to head The Beatles' company Apple Corps....
to stand in for him during Ed Sullivan Show rehearsals.
Soundtrack listing
- "Lovin' You Lots and Lots" - The Norm Wooster Singers
- "That Thing You Do!That Thing You Do (song)"That Thing You Do" is a 1996 song that appears in the film That Thing You Do!. The song is performed by the fictional 1960s band The Wonders, who are the focus of the film.-In the film:...
" - The Wonders - "Little Wild One" - The Wonders
- "Dance With Me Tonight" - The Wonders
- "All My Only Dreams" - The Wonders
- "I Need You (That Thing You Do)" - The Wonders (The movie credits list this song as being from 'The Heardsmen'.)
- "She Knows It" - The Heardsmen
- "Mr. Downtown" - Freddy Fredrickson
- "Hold My Hand, Hold My Heart" - The Chantrellines
- "Voyage Around the Moon" - The Saturn 5
- "My World Is Over" - Diane Dane
- "Drive Faster" - The Vicksburgs
- "Shrimp Shack" - Cap'n Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters
- "Time to Blow" - Del Paxton
- "That Thing You Do!" (Live at the Hollywood Television Showcase) - The Wonders
The tour and TV appearance are done in the authentic style of rock bands of the mid-1960s, including Go-Go girls
Go-Go dancing
Go-go dancers are dancers who are employed to entertain crowds at a discotheque. Go-go dancing originated in the early 1960s when women at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City began to get up on tables and dance the twist...
, elaborate sharing of microphones, and formal clothing in various matching colors.
Reception
The film was well received by critics and currently holds a 92% fresh rating at Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
, increasing to 93% when narrowed down to the selected top critics. The movie debuted at No. 3. However it was only moderately successful at the box office, grossing $25,857,416 domestically and $8,728,000 abroad for a worldwide gross of $34,585,416.
Initial release
That Thing You Do! was first released in mid-1997 on VHS. In 1998, the film became available in the DIVXDIVX
DIVX was an unsuccessful attempt by Circuit City and the entertainment law firm Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca and Fischer to create an alternative to video rental in the United States.-Format:...
format (as with all 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation — also known as 20th Century Fox, or simply 20th or Fox — is one of the six major American film studios...
films), rather than DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
. DIVX would fail, and the film was finally released onto conventional DVD on June 5, 2001. At the time, it included the featurette "The Making of That Thing You Do!," and two music videos.
Extended Edition DVD
On May 8, 2007, Tom Hanks' Extended Edition was released on DVD. The film's theatrical cut and an extended cut with 39 additional minutes of deleted scenes are included.Many of the deleted scenes are devoted to character development. A tastefully steamy look at Guy's "make-out" session with Tina at his apartment is included. The extended version also goes more in-depth with Guy's developing relationship with Faye (via mild flirting) and his deteriorating relationship with Tina, as well as Tina's budding relationship with her dentist, Dr. Collins.
2007 DVD repackage re-release
That Thing You Do! was packaged with Bachelor Party and The Man with One Red ShoeThe Man with One Red Shoe
The Man With One Red Shoe is a 1985 comedy film directed by Stan Dragoti. It is a remake of a 1972 French film Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire starring Pierre Richard and Mireille Darc...
in the Tom Hanks Triple Feature DVD anthology set. The actual DVD appears to be the original 2001 disc, with the featurette and music videos.