Today in Madonna History: February 20, 1986

On February 20 1986, Madonna and Sean Penn attended the premiere of his film At Close Range at the Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany.

Madonna contributed Live To Tell to the At Close Range soundtrack. Live To Tell was written by Patrick Leonard and Madonna, and was released as the first single from her True Blue album in March 1986.

Today in Madonna History: August 17, 1960

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On August 17 1960,  Sean Justin Penn was born.

In the film, Truth Or Dare Madonna is asked, “Who has been the love of your life for your whole life?”  Madonna replies without hesitation, “Sean. Sean.”

Today in Madonna History: August 13, 1985

 

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On August 13 1985, Madonna and Sean Penn got their marriage license.

Today in Madonna History: June 24, 1985

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On June 24 1985, Madonna and Sean Penn announced that they would marry on August 16, 1985.

Today In Madonna History: March 6, 1986

George Harrison And Madonna Promote 'Shanghai Surprise' madonna-george-harrison-shanghai-surprise-conferrence-2 madonna-george-harrison-shanghai-surprise-conferrence-3 madonna-george-harrison-shanghai-surprise-conferrence-4

On March 6 1986, Madonna and George Harrison held a press conference at Kensington Roof Gardens, London, England to discuss the filming of Shanghai Surprise.

When asked by a reporter to apologize for her and Sean’s behavior towards the British press, Madonna answered: “I have nothing to apologize for”.

You have to stick it out to the end of the video to hear George Harrison’s Shanghai Surprise. It’s one of those 80’s songs you can’t get out of your head!

Here are some of the lyrics:

But i’m ready.
You must be crazy… crazy…
And you got no money… money…
But you’re a tryer…

My straits are dire from the wok into the fire,
I’d like to meet you but i’ve broken my chopstick.
Sometimes there’s no hope in, in chasing promises,
I wanna love you though it could prove to be unwise,
Shanghai surprise.

Today In Madonna History: March 4, 1987

 

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On March 4 1987, Shanghai Surprise was released on home video.

The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the film a 1 star rating:

“Shanghai Surprise is so dismally scripted and directed that no one could redeem it… an atmospheric, handsomely shot and, sadly, utterly empty piece of work.”

Today in Madonna History: January 24, 1989

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On January 24, 1989, Madonna and Sean Penn were featured on the cover of National Enquirer.  “Madonna tells cops: Sean beat me and tied me up – Divorce Drama.”