Heartbreaking. You work your butt off to make your dream a reality, you catch a lucky break, then a "friend" turns on you, takes your dream and burns it to the ground.
The story behind Don's Plum is waaaaay more interesting than Don's Plum. The only thing interesting about Don's Plum at all is that Leo and Tobey are in it acting like jerks.. If anyone else was in it, no would care --- then or now.
Don's Plum simply isn't a good movie. There wasn't even a script. The actors improvised throughout the whole thing and portrayed these god awful characters. Because it was all improvised I can understand why some of these actors would be embarrassed to be seen in this. It's a bad look being able to improvise all these homophobic, racist, and misogynistic things. They have every right to not want to be seen in this weird "Clerks" ripoff. Despite all that they still agreed to take part in it. Dales problem is they didn't have any of the actors sign any contracts or anything and framed the whole thing as being a short film amongst friends. I guess moral of the story is always sign contracts when working on a big project, especially when thousands of dollars are on the line. Even when friends are involved.
Hey, Andy. We chated a bit on fb. Helo from Bulgaria. Thanks for this amazing interview. The office cubicle part was devestating. Honestly you went trough hell but what comes out of it - this series is something more than entertainment. It could be your crowning jewel. Keep it up
After all that happened, its definitely not acceptable to use betrayal however i would like to present it in the terms that Don's Plum might not be good enough and the guy here is saying that his team would have earned millions which is absolutely absurd considering the ratings of the movie and Leo would had to kind of leverage himself and his career which as a intelligent human would do, he didnt and tobey was intellligent one in this and kind of forsaw the consequences of the image which the movie portrayed of himself and played. I am not supposrting them but no one is wrong here.
Ironically, I think they were all wrong here. There were several miscommunications, mistakes, breakdowns and less than perfect behaviors, by mostly all parties. I can see good and bad points for everyone involved. Inexperience (in more than just feature making), hotheaded youthfulness, the character of the industry and different stakes handled badly are what caused this to happen. I've listened to and read whatever I could about this and I think, with this group of youngsters, in this industry, it was bound to explode. I think you can all take a piece of the blame.
This whole case is fascinating. But the reason why Leo and tobey sued is that, they were convinced that they would make a short film for a friend of theirs. But they were never told that the film would be edited as a feature. It sounds like an issue that the filmmakers and producers created themselves.
I hope this series keeps growing so it can reach more people like him who might come forward. I had no idea about this guy but it’s very interesting. Imagine all the other people out there who got black listed in Hollywood by terrible famous people that we have no idea about. People thrown under the bus and forgotten about. This could become a very big series hearing about the terrible things that happen to innocent people.
Okay… I’ve been 100% on board with this guy until the brilliant question of “If Tobey had just approached you like a friend and said ‘hey, this is going to be bad for me can we shelve it?’” When you said no, in my opinion you are a bit of a hypocrite. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. That was your friend. If he came up to you as a FRIEND and pleaded with you, then I’d hope you’d have respect and common sense to at least hold off. Because now it’s apparent to me that you feel betrayed by Tobey and Leo, but you didn’t have respect for them as it was.
Dude. Get real. It's a business. He can't shelve the project because of the money and investment involved. You can't just drop the project because an unknown actor thinks there's broccoli in his teeth.
@@denicarson9082 These guys weren’t really unknown actors, and they agreed to a short film and not a feature length. I’m an indie filmmaker, and I would have never done that to anyone I work with. You gain permission first and establish conditions. If they spent $40,000 making that movie then that’s dumb in its own right.
Man, since your come-back, that's your most brilliant video. Really awesome for any movie fan to understand how movie business, friendships, movie careers work... And when you interview like that, letting talk but not giving up on the important tricky questions, you're such a great interviewer. Keep on the good work. All the best from France!
This is a brilliant concept for series. Good enough, and gripping enough, to be on Netflix! It just shows that some people who are blacklisted don't deserve to be, and some who move onwards and upwards also don't deserve to.
You have a truly amazing point. In another documentary that I watched, a three parter. Put out by the New York Post. Miramax initially wanted to put this film out. Now, we all know, or at the very least, are familiar with the former Gem... known as Harvey Weinstein. Whom was basically the head of this massive company. Thank God or whatever Higher Power anyone believes in. That this pig of an individual was finally called out by multiple women as well as some men. For using his power in the industry, as well as his millions. In order to have these actors/actresses degrade themselves, in a sexual manner, in order for that individual to get a role in one of the movies that his company is planning to film/release. Which most likely would make a huge Box Office Hit. Therefore, bringing in millions. It's almost like the offer you can't refuse. But in turn, they could seriously be selling out their soul. I have heard and read about some really horrible things that these actors and musicians have had to do or participate in order to achieve the highest level of success, stardom, wealth. Basically the highest level of fame. To almost be worshipped. It's extremely disturbing. Damn...I'd go so far to say sickening. Just like Kevin Connolly said in Don's Plum. I slept my way to the top. Shit's no joke. Alot of these famous people in Hollywood or L.A. are opulent degenerates. Good Lord...this was a novel. In conclusion...HaHa. I'm fairly certain that alot of these actors, though extremely talented. Had to do some things to get to the top of the food chain. I hope at the end of the day they can look at themselves in the mirror. Because, in my humble opinion, Life goes on after we pass. I hope these people didn't F**k themselves over in life.
Maybe what Tobey McGuire has over DiCaprio is more than just friendship. Probably goes back 20+yrs to what happened with River Phoenix. They were both there that night.
Man, I feel for this guy, but honestly he really needs to move on and let this go. I'm not saying Toby and Leo is not in the wrong, but more move on for himself.. If you watch the whole documentary you can see most of the other party who were wronged by this event has and they seemed way more content. We can never have control over what other people do to us, but we can always control how we react to it and our attitude to move forward. Him saying he can't create content without hundreds and thousands of dollars is what limiting him
These things stay with us forever, the bad and the good things. I've gotten better since first speaking out - I've done a lot of healing. So much so that I could sit down and write about it. I'm proud of where I'm at - how far I've come. It'll take a decade or so, all in all (I'm six year in now), but I will make it. I sat silent for nearly 15 years and all that did was lead to a depression so deep and profound that it nearly took my life. So, the first task in my recovery is righting the wrongs. As for making film again, I believe it will happen. I just have to be patient. In the meantime the memoir is the most joy I have felt since making Don's Plum. And by the way I have produced a bunch of screenplays, a couple of feature films, and even a pilot for Showtime with John Legend (well I was a development exec on the John Legend project)... but none of those things were truly fulfilling - none of them. I'm a filmmaker, it's what I was born to do, and thats what I'm fight to get back. Thanks for your kind sentiments.
@@flipthaascript I'm glad to respond. I've seen few - but I haven't been able to watch them in a long long time. I think there was a period in the first few years where I was hopeful he would come around... but as they year passed it became increasingly difficult to watch his work. I've seen: Titanic, Man In The Iron Mask (lol), Romeo & Juliet, and The Departed. That latter because I was such a Scorcese fan... I loved only one of those, The Departed was wonderful. Leo's best work imo... but then again I haven't seen most of his stuff. I've only watched one Maguire film, Brothers. I saw that to test my mental health and it didn't go so well - kicked me in guts pretty hard.
Tobey knew he could not outshine Leo, got jealous and created a reason ANY reason to twist it to Leo. Whether short or feature film, it was naivete from their sides to believe that embarrassing and possibly career killing footage would not be used. They could have agreed to cut those scenes, but ultimately it was Tobey realizing it would harm him more than Leo. Ultimately Dale, I hope you will find peace after all these years and a chance to make art again.
Thanks so much - I've been working on a memoir for the last five months and it's been a most creatively fulfilling thing I have done in forever. So excited about it.
I know this is an old comment, but I agree. The only reason why Toby got famous what is because of the Spider-Man films, and he just lucked out because Spider-Man already had a fan base and Sam Raimi was behind the project. Any 20something actor would have become famous from it.
I just came across this channel and I have to say you're a very good interviewer mate. Everything you asked and every response you made was on point and was what I (we all, I suppose) want to know and say. Thanks for the video.
I'm a bit late catching up on this one. Some feedback though, given the nature of this story it would have helped to have conveyed the opposing views in the intro. It feels like we are really only hearing one side and even that took some time, we get Dale's interpretation (which may or may not be accurate) of Tobey's motivations but it would have set the story better for viewers unfamiliar with the events to have started with a fair unbiased overview of the reasons and allegations publically stated by Tobey and Leo. This way we can enter into the interview better informed and more able to draw our own conclusions.
@@DaleWheatleywrites i think you may have misinterpreted my post. i'm saying the video needed a fair and unbiased (or at least neutral) overview of the allegations, not that i think the statements themselves were unbiased
Ah man Im ONE minute in and Im already saying to myself" That Tobey Maguire, never really warmed to the guy" shifty is what my grandma would call someone else with his temperament. Bloody human beings.
Don's Plum is a good indie film. I have never called it a masterpiece. If anyone needs to move on I'd say it's Leo. The movie should be released and my blacklist should end. That's all this is about. take care.
@@toddgarver5397 Your opinion of Don's Plum doesn't mean my work or my life should have been destroyed. My losses are incalculable. I don't expect you to understand. Take care.
@@DaleWheatleywrites it's too bad your life was destroyed, but releasing a poorly written short film from twenty years ago will not make it all better. There have been worse things that have happened to people and they were able to move on. Maybe try writing something new and original?
@@toddgarver5397 lol - you're opinion is not the opinion of all people. Don's Plum was neverr a short - I wrote it so I probably know. I get emails from around the world regularly from people who love Don's Plum. It's art, so some people get it and some people don't. You don't. Maybe you should move on from it ;) thanksf for all your time.
Grief is the process. Deep, abiding, constant irreconcilable grief is the process. Such is life. :-( My love and compassion goes out to Dale for his abusive childhood that set him up for getting blindsided by narcissists in his adult life. The struggle is real. Thank you for this content, Hugging the Cactus. Have not subscribed but still may, if this doesn't go off some right wing rails somewhere. LOL
I was a film critic/ reviewer for 8 years and covered film festivals for 15 years. Thus I'm not a filmmaker nor did I work as one when I did live in LA. That having been said I'm not surprised by what happened in this case of Don's Plum. I've heard not the same story here but other types of stories about films. The politics of Hollywood and filmmaking are not understood fully by the general public even now. I know that sometimes careers and even films get destroyed . That seems to be the case here.
I've always wanted to stay at home for two weeks straight and play video games. Agaisnt all insurmountable odds, I achieved this goal in 2020. So can you!!
If you see footage of this guy in the New York Post series, I feel like he might have serious problems that need to be addressed by a professional. It is common for people to be suddenly excluded in social circles for really terrible reasons. It is painful but you move on and find something else. He talks about these people as if they were brothers. No one that cared about you would have treated you like that.
This is an amazing story. Sadly, I think we can all name at least one person who showed us his true colors at some point. Only the extent of the consequences varies...
Well, there's cancel culture then there is nefarious interpersonal activity. Ms. Hummel (sp?) was done in by some backstabber probably trusted coworker type person in her midst. This poor man was betrayed and scarred for life, bc the cancel came out of a deep friendship. My cancel (basically bc I was too organized) was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, I did bear some responsibility bc I brought functional changes too soon to a very dysfunctional community. Live and learn!
Im not a perfect person, i never say or portray myself to be perfect. Im honest and speak with all true. This situation im in, there is no way, anyone can be perfect or even live perfect. I don't wear makeup, i don't have decent clothes. I don't have groceries, hygiene. So i get food boxes, and i get hygiene when i get it. So far im doing good. Im very thankful and grateful.
Love the show Andy. One bit of constructive criticism, I'm 30 min in the video and I'm still wondering what exactly the issue was. Clearly the content of the film wasn't PG so Maguire was worried about his image but what exactly were the lies that were being spread? What is the narrative he used to blacklist him? I would just like to have a clearer picture of the situation by the 30 min mark. Again love the show, this isn't a complaint, I'm just having trouble forming my own opinion without a full view.
It’s a bit of a complicated story - but he does pretty much lay it out... Tobey and his rep didn’t want the image of him in this out there... But Tobey was a nobody at the time. No deal was made with Tobey. The deal was made with Leo, who loved it. So Tobey went and lied to get Leo to sink the film....
To play devil's advocate. They explain this in the interview. If you waited and didn't comment at the 30 minute mark you would have known. I personally only knew about the situation because of Andy's trailer he made a while ago and now after watching the full thing I understand the story. It was under an hour and was explained well and was a good discussion that felt natural. You don't watch a documentary and find out the full story in 5 mins or there would be no reason to make it an hour+. This isn't an attack by the way. I just have a pet peeve of what a lot of people seem to do on youtube which is comment about something while they are watching, that is then clearly explained minutes later. If this was on netflix or another streaming site you would have just watched and learned what you wanted to know.
Alot of famous people and family and friends, and lots of kids, i red flag because of danger, and they all were placed in different countries. For thier protection.
Great interview! Something about Tobey and Leo makes this story pretty believable. There's just some sort of smugness that comes off them that you kind of pick up on. I enjoyed Tobey as Peter Parker but never cared for him outside of that but think Leo is a great actor. Sucks that they have done this to the guy though because he just made a film and they agreed to be in it. There's a few cases like this that I've seen an actor not wanting their early work to be seen. Daisy Ridley had a movie that looked terrible come out not too long ago from her early days and I heard she didn't want that to come out either but not sure if she actually tried to stop it in any way.
I watched the NY Post video on this subject and this guys attitude was more docile. This time hes beligerant. Seems his plan did not worked as he expected. In both documentaries you can see that this leech tries to put the blame on Maguire and DiCaprio.Thing is simple, Leo was very protective of his career even at an early stage and this guy simply tried to cash from these two guys - friends- for his own benefit. Sad that after 25 years he is not able to let it go....he acuses DiCaprio of black listing him when he became a pariah because of his own decisions.
The way to judge whether Dons Plum is any good, is to imagine it with 100% unknowns. Its very representative of 90s low budget, novice filmmakers 1st films. Its not amazing and It’s not terrible. The cinematography is the best element. And the fact it was made/ finished, which was a monumental task in the 90s.
This interview is pure fucking therapy dude, At 51:44 I fucking cried for real when he said, "It's not me who has to get over it!". That shows pure maturity and reconciliation like no other. 51:54 "I'M NOT THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO GET OVER IT! IT'S MOTHERFUCKING LEONARDO DiCaprio!". That shit hit me bro
This guy is so stupid. He is the one that needs to get over it. He is the one 20 years later still bitching about Leo and Toby instead of moving on with his life just like everybody else did people get blacklisted all the time he’s not special.
Andy hope you see this comment, my name is Michelle, and this story really touched me. Can you send me the link so I can see this film? I started watching you on Popcorned Planet back when you were doing news about The Gabby Petito story on your channel and have been watching you ever since. Love your stories/ news , keep them coming. You have great talent and are very driven. Take care.
I would never ever try to harm anyone. Believe me, there is no way that any high up authority figure would ever allow me to hurt or intentionally hurt or harm anyone.
I don't see how a sensible conversation about cancel culture can take place without looking at the concepts of power, preserving power, and its relation to wealth/money/capitalism. In this discussion, particularly with regard to the timing and the Peter Parker role potential, it has EVERYTHING to do with money and power.
Swimming with sharks can be lethal. I do have to say I really like this guy and sympathize with him. I really wish the best for him and his family and believe there’s good things in store!
I think it's widely known that Tobey is horrible. But they had to control their images. Leo has done amazing controlling his. Smartest star in Hollywood.
Also this is a great idea for a series. Tides are slowly but surely changing and people are getting sick of this cult of woke, cancel culture B.S. Keep it going man.
Everything I do, is for the best positive intention because I care and because I can recognize the signs and everything I do, is with the intent of doing the right thing.
I’ve never liked Tobey Maguire, at all. He is just so wooden and really never changes emotions, like no range. The only movie he’s ever been good in is “The Cider House Rules” because that was what the character was already. He pretty much rode Leo’s coattails to stardom.
I remember hearing about Don's Plum when I was younger. It is sad that Tobey ruined these friendships because he didn't like his performance. I know Tobey almost got fired from Spiderman. He doesn't have the awards like Leo has. I know Tobey had a bad article written about him when he played poker. I'm hoping that the real truth comes out.
I have vhs recordings from Access Hollywood where Leo stating Don’s Plum was a short film he and his friends made…. This is the first time I hear it was a feature..
Let me tell you, with all honesty, im very protective of you all, i already heard since last year that these people were going to approach you and try to take over whatever you have. And i red flag it.
That is so terribly messed up.if Leo WAS on board all the while, what happened!?. DUDE YOU SOUND TERRIBLY CONFUSED ,YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER TO SEE WHERE YOU BELONG, JUST TO START LOOKING OUT FOR YOURSELF..
This is pathetic. This guy was a con man who DiCaprio helped out by agreeing to be in a student film for his film course. It was an amature film and DiCaprio never intended it for commercial use. He was not blacklisted. He is a conman.
@@KrisBryant99back in the day.. in 1995… no one knew who the fuck Tobey and Leo were…Leo blew up after Romeo and Juliet in 1996… and Tobey with Spiderman in 2000. I remember, I was obsessed with Leo and desperately tried to see Don’s Plum. It was an indie student type film and was impossible, Miramax or something wanted to turn it into a feature but it wasn’t never going to be that short film.
Dale creeps me out. I think if the guy haven’t done anything with his life for 25 years but feeling bitter that Leo and Toby didn’t want to be part of the movie.. he need help. The actors didn’t like how they appear in the movie. The movie didn’t have any financial or career gain for them. There was no contract. They had any moral and legal right to back out of the movie. Considering how consumed and stuck Dale iwas and is on the failure and how passionately he belittle the stars who were on his path once 25 years ego , I think he got himself blacklisted. No blame is placed on Leo and Toby not wanting to have anything to do with Dale. The movie has opposite effect on me as it was intended. I think Dale needs some therapy, to put himself to work, create a movie, and prove that he can do something worthy but slander..
Spike Lee made Do The Right Thing by putting costs on a series of credit cards, but he DID have massive support of the human resources around him...they didn't undercut, sabotage and undermine him as what happened with Dale.
The story this guy told are just too perfect for him, everything is toby and leo faults that can’t be true in my opinion he is want to release the movie to take advantage from Leo fame and make thousands of dollars.
He lost me at being emphatic he knew what Leo's state of mind was. When relaying an event from the past, just state facts of what occurred without emotional opinions.
Why can't dude just do his own movies. People do on yt. Those two crybabies aren't God. I understand it was dude's 1st baby (film) but MOVE the hell on. Your life ain't held by these actors. When you realize this you can move on and grow as a film maker. Being worthy to be black-balled count it an honor, list it in tour credits an FLOURISH
I agree I feel this guy has a good spirit but didn't have the strength to learn from his lesson and plus he wasn't the ONLY one working on Don's Plum so he may have had the artistic awareness to keep going alone. But on the bright side, Don's Plum is really a good movie that's like a time capsule of the early 2000s and one I consider to be Leo and Tobey's best work ironically.
Guys if you wanna really help this series, you can become a Patreon member! I'll be doing a special Patreon only podcast over there, as well as some other exclusives as they come in, but most importantly, you'll be funding this channel to keep going! Check it out if you can: Patreon.com/HuggingTheCactus (and if you were a member of my PopcornedPlanet one, its the same one, just re-purposed)
Mind you, a famous singer attacked me last year saying that she was going to take my crown from my head. I didn't know what it was she was talking about. Until los tigres del norte, confirmed to me down to the detail who it was and why.
Honestly I see both sides. I feel bad because he was just trying to make it in the industry while is friends were upcoming A list actors, I mean if my friends were A list actors and I wanted to make it in the business as a director, I would also approach them to help me out and star in a film. From what I've seen from the film it looked pretty shit and wouldn't have been great for Tobey or Leo's career but then again maybe it wouldn't have made a difference.
After hearing stories like this and Molly Bloom's story, you get the sense that Tobey Maguire is a bit of a narcissist. It's sad that he would destroy other people's lives just to make himself look good.
When I watch this I think of movies like Hellraiser and Cube. Cheap movies, cheap sets. With modern VST's for music, movie editing software, a cheap camera and mic for dubbing. What's stopping a person from making a great movie with barely any budget at all? In the first project you can split the profits from the movie to actors, because they got a stake in it they can work for free. That'd be my attitude if I was a movie maker, or wanted to be a movie maker. I recall that the movie once were warriors was shot in two weeks. Ordinary people in ordinary places, very good movie. It's only going to be as good as the writing and camera work. Whining about Leonardo Decaprio as if only a kid at the time can make a movie good, I think it hints at a lack of understanding from the movie maker. Surely you could find another kid that has similar acting talent and looks like him. Heck you could probably break down the performances of a leonardo tier actor, spend a week with the leading actor you decided on, carefully study how to move and behave in front of the camera until the camera loves it. I think anyone assuming they got an interesting look can become a decent actor if they work hard on it for, a week or two. The rest is done by the writing, music and camera work.
Heartbreaking.
You work your butt off to make your dream a reality, you catch a lucky break, then a "friend" turns on you, takes your dream and burns it to the ground.
The story behind Don's Plum is waaaaay more interesting than Don's Plum.
The only thing interesting about Don's Plum at all is that Leo and Tobey are in it acting like jerks.. If anyone else was in it, no would care --- then or now.
Don's Plum simply isn't a good movie. There wasn't even a script. The actors improvised throughout the whole thing and portrayed these god awful characters. Because it was all improvised I can understand why some of these actors would be embarrassed to be seen in this. It's a bad look being able to improvise all these homophobic, racist, and misogynistic things. They have every right to not want to be seen in this weird "Clerks" ripoff. Despite all that they still agreed to take part in it. Dales problem is they didn't have any of the actors sign any contracts or anything and framed the whole thing as being a short film amongst friends.
I guess moral of the story is always sign contracts when working on a big project, especially when thousands of dollars are on the line. Even when friends are involved.
The movie looks cringe worthy. I wonder if thr actors are playing themselves ugh..
Hey, Andy. We chated a bit on fb. Helo from Bulgaria.
Thanks for this amazing interview.
The office cubicle part was devestating.
Honestly you went trough hell but what comes out of it - this series is something more than entertainment. It could be your crowning jewel. Keep it up
Stefan Vrachev thanks Stefan
After all that happened, its definitely not acceptable to use betrayal however i would like to present it in the terms that Don's Plum might not be good enough and the guy here is saying that his team would have earned millions which is absolutely absurd considering the ratings of the movie and Leo would had to kind of leverage himself and his career which as a intelligent human would do, he didnt and tobey was intellligent one in this and kind of forsaw the consequences of the image which the movie portrayed of himself and played. I am not supposrting them but no one is wrong here.
Ironically, I think they were all wrong here. There were several miscommunications, mistakes, breakdowns and less than perfect behaviors, by mostly all parties. I can see good and bad points for everyone involved. Inexperience (in more than just feature making), hotheaded youthfulness, the character of the industry and different stakes handled badly are what caused this to happen. I've listened to and read whatever I could about this and I think, with this group of youngsters, in this industry, it was bound to explode.
I think you can all take a piece of the blame.
This whole case is fascinating. But the reason why Leo and tobey sued is that, they were convinced that they would make a short film for a friend of theirs. But they were never told that the film would be edited as a feature. It sounds like an issue that the filmmakers and producers created themselves.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit? I’m curious if the length of the film was considered a problem?
I hope this series keeps growing so it can reach more people like him who might come forward. I had no idea about this guy but it’s very interesting. Imagine all the other people out there who got black listed in Hollywood by terrible famous people that we have no idea about. People thrown under the bus and forgotten about. This could become a very big series hearing about the terrible things that happen to innocent people.
Okay… I’ve been 100% on board with this guy until the brilliant question of “If Tobey had just approached you like a friend and said ‘hey, this is going to be bad for me can we shelve it?’” When you said no, in my opinion you are a bit of a hypocrite. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. That was your friend. If he came up to you as a FRIEND and pleaded with you, then I’d hope you’d have respect and common sense to at least hold off. Because now it’s apparent to me that you feel betrayed by Tobey and Leo, but you didn’t have respect for them as it was.
💯💯💯
Dude. Get real. It's a business. He can't shelve the project because of the money and investment involved. You can't just drop the project because an unknown actor thinks there's broccoli in his teeth.
lol didn’t they spend 40k on the project?
@@denicarson9082 These guys weren’t really unknown actors, and they agreed to a short film and not a feature length.
I’m an indie filmmaker, and I would have never done that to anyone I work with. You gain permission first and establish conditions. If they spent $40,000 making that movie then that’s dumb in its own right.
"Decimate the film you worked so hard on for me" is not something a friend asks a friend to do.
I recently read about this film a couple of months and was very intrigued by the whole thing. Well done Andy on this episode 👌
This was fascinating. One of the most interesting stories I’ve ever watched on RUclips.
Man, since your come-back, that's your most brilliant video. Really awesome for any movie fan to understand how movie business, friendships, movie careers work...
And when you interview like that, letting talk but not giving up on the important tricky questions, you're such a great interviewer.
Keep on the good work. All the best from France!
Thank you 🙏♥️
This is a brilliant concept for series. Good enough, and gripping enough, to be on Netflix! It just shows that some people who are blacklisted don't deserve to be, and some who move onwards and upwards also don't deserve to.
You have a truly amazing point. In another documentary that I watched, a three parter. Put out by the New York Post. Miramax initially wanted to put this film out. Now, we all know, or at the very least, are familiar with the former Gem... known as Harvey Weinstein. Whom was basically the head of this massive company. Thank God or whatever Higher Power anyone believes in. That this pig of an individual was finally called out by multiple women as well as some men. For using his power in the industry, as well as his millions. In order to have these actors/actresses degrade themselves, in a sexual manner, in order for that individual to get a role in one of the movies that his company is planning to film/release. Which most likely would make a huge Box Office Hit. Therefore, bringing in millions. It's almost like the offer you can't refuse. But in turn, they could seriously be selling out their soul. I have heard and read about some really horrible things that these actors and musicians have had to do or participate in order to achieve the highest level of success, stardom, wealth. Basically the highest level of fame. To almost be worshipped. It's extremely disturbing. Damn...I'd go so far to say sickening. Just like Kevin Connolly said in Don's Plum. I slept my way to the top. Shit's no joke. Alot of these famous people in Hollywood or L.A. are opulent degenerates. Good Lord...this was a novel. In conclusion...HaHa. I'm fairly certain that alot of these actors, though extremely talented. Had to do some things to get to the top of the food chain. I hope at the end of the day they can look at themselves in the mirror. Because, in my humble opinion, Life goes on after we pass. I hope these people didn't F**k themselves over in life.
@@erindiazmclaughlin well that's my reading done for this week. And I totally agree.
@@colinbooth531 Chapter 2 is next week. Take notes and study. Because we will be having a test. 😋
Maybe what Tobey McGuire has over DiCaprio is more than just friendship. Probably goes back 20+yrs to what happened with River Phoenix. They were both there that night.
MrPernell27 yeah what?What happened with river?
what are you insinuating?
I don’t get it. What does River phoenix has to do with it?
@@IsaacRainford21 I know it's just linking things that dont connect
Some people think they were in a relationship in the past. Who knows
you have no idea how helpful this interview has been THANK YOU.
Anyone interested in entering the industry, should watch this interview. This kind of f*ckery is intrinsic.
Had no idea you had this channel Andy! Thankful you’ve been covering this and helping Dale spread his story.
Man, I feel for this guy, but honestly he really needs to move on and let this go. I'm not saying Toby and Leo is not in the wrong, but more move on for himself.. If you watch the whole documentary you can see most of the other party who were wronged by this event has and they seemed way more content. We can never have control over what other people do to us, but we can always control how we react to it and our attitude to move forward. Him saying he can't create content without hundreds and thousands of dollars is what limiting him
These things stay with us forever, the bad and the good things. I've gotten better since first speaking out - I've done a lot of healing. So much so that I could sit down and write about it. I'm proud of where I'm at - how far I've come. It'll take a decade or so, all in all (I'm six year in now), but I will make it. I sat silent for nearly 15 years and all that did was lead to a depression so deep and profound that it nearly took my life. So, the first task in my recovery is righting the wrongs. As for making film again, I believe it will happen. I just have to be patient. In the meantime the memoir is the most joy I have felt since making Don's Plum. And by the way I have produced a bunch of screenplays, a couple of feature films, and even a pilot for Showtime with John Legend (well I was a development exec on the John Legend project)... but none of those things were truly fulfilling - none of them. I'm a filmmaker, it's what I was born to do, and thats what I'm fight to get back. Thanks for your kind sentiments.
@@DaleWheatleywrites im glad youre doing better day by day brother..i hope you can find your peace soon 🙏🏻
@@DaleWheatleywrites super curious dale. Do ever watch Leo’s films? Btw it’s a pleasure to have you communicate w us here
@@flipthaascript I'm glad to respond. I've seen few - but I haven't been able to watch them in a long long time. I think there was a period in the first few years where I was hopeful he would come around... but as they year passed it became increasingly difficult to watch his work. I've seen: Titanic, Man In The Iron Mask (lol), Romeo & Juliet, and The Departed. That latter because I was such a Scorcese fan... I loved only one of those, The Departed was wonderful. Leo's best work imo... but then again I haven't seen most of his stuff. I've only watched one Maguire film, Brothers. I saw that to test my mental health and it didn't go so well - kicked me in guts pretty hard.
@@DaleWheatleywrites when is the book coming out?
Tobey knew he could not outshine Leo, got jealous and created a reason ANY reason to twist it to Leo. Whether short or feature film, it was naivete from their sides to believe that embarrassing and possibly career killing footage would not be used. They could have agreed to cut those scenes, but ultimately it was Tobey realizing it would harm him more than Leo. Ultimately Dale, I hope you will find peace after all these years and a chance to make art again.
Thanks so much - I've been working on a memoir for the last five months and it's been a most creatively fulfilling thing I have done in forever. So excited about it.
I know this is an old comment, but I agree. The only reason why Toby got famous what is because of the Spider-Man films, and he just lucked out because Spider-Man already had a fan base and Sam Raimi was behind the project. Any 20something actor would have become famous from it.
I just came across this channel and I have to say you're a very good interviewer mate. Everything you asked and every response you made was on point and was what I (we all, I suppose) want to know and say. Thanks for the video.
I'm a bit late catching up on this one. Some feedback though, given the nature of this story it would have helped to have conveyed the opposing views in the intro. It feels like we are really only hearing one side and even that took some time, we get Dale's interpretation (which may or may not be accurate) of Tobey's motivations but it would have set the story better for viewers unfamiliar with the events to have started with a fair unbiased overview of the reasons and allegations publically stated by Tobey and Leo. This way we can enter into the interview better informed and more able to draw our own conclusions.
I'm curious why you would call Leo and Tobey's public statements "fair" and "unbiased?"
@@DaleWheatleywrites i think you may have misinterpreted my post. i'm saying the video needed a fair and unbiased (or at least neutral) overview of the allegations, not that i think the statements themselves were unbiased
@@mutantdog. Ahh yes - thanks for clarifying. And replying! :)
Interesting conversation - specially the discussion around friendship and trying to find a way to move on. Great video as usual!
thank you!
A story for Netflix?
Ah man Im ONE minute in and Im already saying to myself" That Tobey Maguire, never really warmed to the guy" shifty is what my grandma would call someone else with his temperament. Bloody human beings.
Pretty good interview Andy, it's a pretty interesting interview (as I'm typing this, at the moment I'm at the 16 minute mark)
It's been over 20 years. Don's Plum isn't the masterpiece Dale seems to think it is. Time to move on.
Don's Plum is a good indie film. I have never called it a masterpiece. If anyone needs to move on I'd say it's Leo. The movie should be released and my blacklist should end. That's all this is about. take care.
It's not a "good" film.
@@toddgarver5397 Your opinion of Don's Plum doesn't mean my work or my life should have been destroyed. My losses are incalculable. I don't expect you to understand. Take care.
@@DaleWheatleywrites it's too bad your life was destroyed, but releasing a poorly written short film from twenty years ago will not make it all better. There have been worse things that have happened to people and they were able to move on. Maybe try writing something new and original?
@@toddgarver5397 lol - you're opinion is not the opinion of all people. Don's Plum was neverr a short - I wrote it so I probably know. I get emails from around the world regularly from people who love Don's Plum. It's art, so some people get it and some people don't. You don't. Maybe you should move on from it ;) thanksf for all your time.
Another great interview, Andy. Nice job!
Grief is the process. Deep, abiding, constant irreconcilable grief is the process. Such is life. :-( My love and compassion goes out to Dale for his abusive childhood that set him up for getting blindsided by narcissists in his adult life. The struggle is real. Thank you for this content, Hugging the Cactus. Have not subscribed but still may, if this doesn't go off some right wing rails somewhere. LOL
I found out he was alive 4 years ago.
I was a film critic/ reviewer for 8 years and covered film festivals for 15 years.
Thus I'm not a filmmaker nor did I work as one when I did live in LA.
That having been said I'm not surprised by what happened in this case of Don's Plum. I've heard not the same story here but other types of stories about films.
The politics of Hollywood and filmmaking are not understood fully by the general public even now.
I know that sometimes careers and even films get destroyed . That seems to be the case here.
I found film, Don's Plum on RUclips, about to check it out now.
If enough people watch Don's Plum, Toby Maguire will be toast. He's talented, but he's an unhinged jerk. It simply is what it is.
I've always wanted to stay at home for two weeks straight and play video games. Agaisnt all insurmountable odds, I achieved this goal in 2020. So can you!!
If you see footage of this guy in the New York Post series, I feel like he might have serious problems that need to be addressed by a professional. It is common for people to be suddenly excluded in social circles for really terrible reasons. It is painful but you move on and find something else. He talks about these people as if they were brothers. No one that cared about you would have treated you like that.
This is an amazing story.
Sadly, I think we can all name at least one person who showed us his true colors at some point. Only the extent of the consequences varies...
Well, there's cancel culture then there is nefarious interpersonal activity. Ms. Hummel (sp?) was done in by some backstabber probably trusted coworker type person in her midst. This poor man was betrayed and scarred for life, bc the cancel came out of a deep friendship. My cancel (basically bc I was too organized) was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, I did bear some responsibility bc I brought functional changes too soon to a very dysfunctional community. Live and learn!
I’ve been waiting for this one since you mentioned it on stream🔥🔥🔥
Thank you for this video.
awesome video dude
Im not a perfect person, i never say or portray myself to be perfect. Im honest and speak with all true. This situation im in, there is no way, anyone can be perfect or even live perfect. I don't wear makeup, i don't have decent clothes. I don't have groceries, hygiene. So i get food boxes, and i get hygiene when i get it. So far im doing good. Im very thankful and grateful.
Love the show Andy. One bit of constructive criticism, I'm 30 min in the video and I'm still wondering what exactly the issue was. Clearly the content of the film wasn't PG so Maguire was worried about his image but what exactly were the lies that were being spread? What is the narrative he used to blacklist him? I would just like to have a clearer picture of the situation by the 30 min mark. Again love the show, this isn't a complaint, I'm just having trouble forming my own opinion without a full view.
It’s a bit of a complicated story - but he does pretty much lay it out... Tobey and his rep didn’t want the image of him in this out there... But Tobey was a nobody at the time. No deal was made with Tobey. The deal was made with Leo, who loved it. So Tobey went and lied to get Leo to sink the film....
@@HuggingTheCactus thanks for the reply. Thank you Dale for sharing. This series is important Andy, thank you.
To play devil's advocate. They explain this in the interview. If you waited and didn't comment at the 30 minute mark you would have known. I personally only knew about the situation because of Andy's trailer he made a while ago and now after watching the full thing I understand the story. It was under an hour and was explained well and was a good discussion that felt natural. You don't watch a documentary and find out the full story in 5 mins or there would be no reason to make it an hour+.
This isn't an attack by the way. I just have a pet peeve of what a lot of people seem to do on youtube which is comment about something while they are watching, that is then clearly explained minutes later. If this was on netflix or another streaming site you would have just watched and learned what you wanted to know.
Alot of famous people and family and friends, and lots of kids, i red flag because of danger, and they all were placed in different countries. For thier protection.
Andy my man, you conduct interviews so well. You definitely at your best doing then
I appreciate that!
Great interview! Something about Tobey and Leo makes this story pretty believable. There's just some sort of smugness that comes off them that you kind of pick up on. I enjoyed Tobey as Peter Parker but never cared for him outside of that but think Leo is a great actor. Sucks that they have done this to the guy though because he just made a film and they agreed to be in it.
There's a few cases like this that I've seen an actor not wanting their early work to be seen. Daisy Ridley had a movie that looked terrible come out not too long ago from her early days and I heard she didn't want that to come out either but not sure if she actually tried to stop it in any way.
I believe the term is "Tossing the cactus." I may be incorrect. If so...Please don't hesitate to inform me of another aphorism.
I watched the NY Post video on this subject and this guys attitude was more docile. This time hes beligerant. Seems his plan did not worked as he expected. In both documentaries you can see that this leech tries to put the blame on Maguire and DiCaprio.Thing is simple, Leo was very protective of his career even at an early stage and this guy simply tried to cash from these two guys - friends- for his own benefit. Sad that after 25 years he is not able to let it go....he acuses DiCaprio of black listing him when he became a pariah because of his own decisions.
could you at least try to get the volume levels close to each other? im turning up hear Dale talk and your blowing my speakers out!
yeah it was the first one i did, so I had some learning curves...
I’m excited to watch his movie and support any projects he’s coming up with in the future
The way to judge whether Dons Plum is any good, is to imagine it with 100% unknowns. Its very representative of 90s low budget, novice filmmakers 1st films. Its not amazing and It’s not terrible. The cinematography is the best element. And the fact it was made/ finished, which was a monumental task in the 90s.
This interview is pure fucking therapy dude, At 51:44 I fucking cried for real when he said, "It's not me who has to get over it!". That shows pure maturity and reconciliation like no other. 51:54 "I'M NOT THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO GET OVER IT! IT'S MOTHERFUCKING LEONARDO DiCaprio!". That shit hit me bro
This guy is so stupid. He is the one that needs to get over it. He is the one 20 years later still bitching about Leo and Toby instead of moving on with his life just like everybody else did people get blacklisted all the time he’s not special.
Andy hope you see this comment, my name is Michelle, and this story really touched me. Can you send me the link so I can see this film? I started watching you on Popcorned Planet back when you were doing news about The Gabby Petito story on your channel and have been watching you ever since. Love your stories/ news , keep them coming. You have great talent and are very driven. Take care.
I would never ever try to harm anyone. Believe me, there is no way that any high up authority figure would ever allow me to hurt or intentionally hurt or harm anyone.
I don't see how a sensible conversation about cancel culture can take place without looking at the concepts of power, preserving power, and its relation to wealth/money/capitalism. In this discussion, particularly with regard to the timing and the Peter Parker role potential, it has EVERYTHING to do with money and power.
Swimming with sharks can be lethal. I do have to say I really like this guy and sympathize with him. I really wish the best for him and his family and believe there’s good things in store!
I never put myself on social media, never
I don't know anything about any film???
I think it's widely known that Tobey is horrible. But they had to control their images. Leo has done amazing controlling his. Smartest star in Hollywood.
Also this is a great idea for a series. Tides are slowly but surely changing and people are getting sick of this cult of woke, cancel culture B.S. Keep it going man.
There's nothing to do with woke of our club castle culture. This is about Egomaniac celebrities, Controlling the media to control their image
Great content. This is a heady idea. Keep em coming!
Im just hoping and praying that this situations im in comes to end.
Ok, I need to watch this movie now.
I'm raising the BS flag on this guy. Not saying he's a preditor, but, I have red Flags about this guy.
Haha I knew that Toby Maguire was a little weasel
He did make a good Peter Parker though
@@AggressiveBeagle Maybe the black suit was really him all along! ;3
He deserves death
his nickname is officially bully maguire, because he ruined someone's life
Everything I do, is for the best positive intention because I care and because I can recognize the signs and everything I do, is with the intent of doing the right thing.
looks like the link to the movie is not working, could someone please place another one?
hit me up at freedonsplum at gmail . com and I'll send you a working link if you'd like.
freedonsplum.com
I’ve never liked Tobey Maguire, at all. He is just so wooden and really never changes emotions, like no range. The only movie he’s ever been good in is “The Cider House Rules” because that was what the character was already. He pretty much rode Leo’s coattails to stardom.
31:13 “he still has this fuel, to believe these things” “how people reconstruct events”
projection ???
I remember hearing about Don's Plum when I was younger. It is sad that Tobey ruined these friendships because he didn't like his performance. I know Tobey almost got fired from Spiderman. He doesn't have the awards like Leo has. I know Tobey had a bad article written about him when he played poker. I'm hoping that the real truth comes out.
I have vhs recordings from Access Hollywood where Leo stating Don’s Plum was a short film he and his friends made…. This is the first time I hear it was a feature..
As far as i know, Robert cortez Medina died 2010
Andy!? I haven't regognise your voice. You have another channel?!😵😵💫
Tobey is just evil. What a jerk. But good for both of you for rebuilding and believing in the power of moving on
Andy, I click on the website link to see Dale's movie and it sends me to a website that sells kangaroos scrotums extra large...not kidding.
I can get you a link at freedonsplum.com is you like. Just hit me via email. Cheers.
Who's here because of diddly and Leo?
People are fascinating.
I do feel sorry for him, I mean Leo is a super star, i wish he could allow Dale’s script to be made into a movie
Interesting interview. Going to have to check out that movie now.
take a shot everytime someone says dons plum
Let me tell you, with all honesty, im very protective of you all, i already heard since last year that these people were going to approach you and try to take over whatever you have. And i red flag it.
That is so terribly messed up.if Leo WAS on board all the while, what happened!?. DUDE YOU SOUND TERRIBLY CONFUSED ,YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER TO SEE WHERE YOU BELONG, JUST TO START LOOKING OUT FOR YOURSELF..
Tobey Mcguire turned Di Caprio against the movie,
Another good interview Andy
This is pathetic. This guy was a con man who DiCaprio helped out by agreeing to be in a student film for his film course. It was an amature film and DiCaprio never intended it for commercial use. He was not blacklisted. He is a conman.
How do you know? The film is released everywhere besides US & Canada.
That cant be true. Everyone else knew what it was meant for. How on earth was this "secret" kept from Leonardo?
@@KrisBryant99back in the day.. in 1995… no one knew who the fuck Tobey and Leo were…Leo blew up after Romeo and Juliet in 1996… and Tobey with Spiderman in 2000. I remember, I was obsessed with Leo and desperately tried to see Don’s Plum. It was an indie student type film and was impossible, Miramax or something wanted to turn it into a feature but it wasn’t never going to be that short film.
Dale creeps me out. I think if the guy haven’t done anything with his life for 25 years but feeling bitter that Leo and Toby didn’t want to be part of the movie.. he need help. The actors didn’t like how they appear in the movie. The movie didn’t have any financial or career gain for them. There was no contract. They had any moral and legal right to back out of the movie. Considering how consumed and stuck Dale iwas and is on the failure and how passionately he belittle the stars who were on his path once 25 years ego , I think he got himself blacklisted. No blame is placed on Leo and Toby not wanting to have anything to do with Dale. The movie has opposite effect on me as it was intended. I think Dale needs some therapy, to put himself to work, create a movie, and prove that he can do something worthy but slander..
@@arminebozhko3313 I'm with you now on that.
I hate it when the interviewee interrupts the interviewer's questions. Desperate to control the dynamic of the dialogue.
I want ot be on Dale's side, but he doesn't make it easy.
This is a great interview and a great series. This one though has a lot of echo or feed when you speak.
Yeah, something happened in the mix - apologies - it was the first one i taped, shouldn’t happen again!
Spike Lee made Do The Right Thing by putting costs on a series of credit cards, but he DID have massive support of the human resources around him...they didn't undercut, sabotage and undermine him as what happened with Dale.
Great interview Andy 👍
The story this guy told are just too perfect for him, everything is toby and leo faults that can’t be true in my opinion he is want to release the movie to take advantage from Leo fame and make thousands of dollars.
He just released a book 🤔, I haven’t read it but I am curious what he wrote in it
He lost me at being emphatic he knew what Leo's state of mind was. When relaying an event from the past, just state facts of what occurred without emotional opinions.
Why can't dude just do his own movies. People do on yt. Those two crybabies aren't God.
I understand it was dude's 1st baby (film) but MOVE the hell on.
Your life ain't held by these actors. When you realize this you can move on and grow as a film maker.
Being worthy to be black-balled count it an honor, list it in tour credits an FLOURISH
I agree I feel this guy has a good spirit but didn't have the strength to learn from his lesson and plus he wasn't the ONLY one working on Don's Plum so he may have had the artistic awareness to keep going alone. But on the bright side, Don's Plum is really a good movie that's like a time capsule of the early 2000s and one I consider to be Leo and Tobey's best work ironically.
Is Leo the woman or the man in his relationship with Tobey?
Best one yet. Wow.
Guys if you wanna really help this series, you can become a Patreon member! I'll be doing a special Patreon only podcast over there, as well as some other exclusives as they come in, but most importantly, you'll be funding this channel to keep going! Check it out if you can: Patreon.com/HuggingTheCactus (and if you were a member of my PopcornedPlanet one, its the same one, just re-purposed)
Mind you, a famous singer attacked me last year saying that she was going to take my crown from my head. I didn't know what it was she was talking about. Until los tigres del norte, confirmed to me down to the detail who it was and why.
So what was it all about?
Don’s Plumb 😂 great vid though🤩
Honestly I see both sides. I feel bad because he was just trying to make it in the industry while is friends were upcoming A list actors, I mean if my friends were A list actors and I wanted to make it in the business as a director, I would also approach them to help me out and star in a film. From what I've seen from the film it looked pretty shit and wouldn't have been great for Tobey or Leo's career but then again maybe it wouldn't have made a difference.
After hearing stories like this and Molly Bloom's story, you get the sense that Tobey Maguire is a bit of a narcissist. It's sad that he would destroy other people's lives just to make himself look good.
Robert cortez Medina?
Im with you, Dale❤
Never liked DiCaprio and Maguire
Orange?
When I watch this I think of movies like Hellraiser and Cube.
Cheap movies, cheap sets. With modern VST's for music, movie editing software, a cheap camera and mic for dubbing.
What's stopping a person from making a great movie with barely any budget at all?
In the first project you can split the profits from the movie to actors, because they got a stake in it they can work for free.
That'd be my attitude if I was a movie maker, or wanted to be a movie maker. I recall that the movie once were warriors was shot in two weeks. Ordinary people in ordinary places, very good movie. It's only going to be as good as the writing and camera work.
Whining about Leonardo Decaprio as if only a kid at the time can make a movie good, I think it hints at a lack of understanding from the movie maker. Surely you could find another kid that has similar acting talent and looks like him. Heck you could probably break down the performances of a leonardo tier actor, spend a week with the leading actor you decided on, carefully study how to move and behave in front of the camera until the camera loves it.
I think anyone assuming they got an interesting look can become a decent actor if they work hard on it for, a week or two. The rest is done by the writing, music and camera work.
As soon as I found out, who you were, i was very worried and protected of you because I already knew these people were making you a target.