“Prince wanted to make a movie,” director Albert Magnoli reminisces. And so it was.

It was an era when teens swayed and bopped to new wave music like synchronized robots. The rule for accessories was the more and the gaudier, the better. And dressing and singing like a woman was more than acceptable for men, especially androgynous men ? like Prince.

With “Purple Rain,” Prince launched not only the ultimate R&B dance album of all-time, but he also set into motion the whole Minneapolis rock movement, one that rivals even the whole Cash Money Hotlanta thing.

Featuring memorable performances by Prince protégés Dez Dickerson, Appolonia 6 and Morris Day & The Time, “Purple Rain” is a concert event, love story and rock saga all wrapped into one. Though The Kid (Prince) and his love interest Appolonia (Appolonia Kotero) stumble through their lines and struggle to keep straight faces in seemingly grave situations, the two are perfect as naíve, star-gazing hopefuls.

Even better are Morris Day and his man-servant Jerome as The Kid?s on- and off-stage rivals ? a foul duo that may never be outdone until Dr. No and Goldfinger nail down a funkdafied performance of “Jungle Love.”

As good as this one is, you?re best off skipping the sequel ? “Graffiti Bridge.”