It’s time to spill the beans …
Candyman tells the strange yet true story of David Klein, an eccentric candy inventor from LA, who in 1976 had a once in a lifetime epiphany and brainstormed the concept of Jelly Belly © jellybeans. Today he says he regrets this, and that the beans ruined his life.
View Trailer:
David Klein’s radical makeover of a stale old product brought color and shockingly realistic new flavors into the candy market. The beans revolutionized the business and became a pop culture phenomenon. It didn’t hurt that no less a personage than Ronald Reagan, president of the USA, proclaimed Jelly Bellies as his favorite sweet (and cure for smoking).
At the apex of his success David inexplicably gave it all away. He went into a personal and professional decline, while Jelly Belly grew into a global multi-million dollar enterprise. The company replaced David “Mr. Jelly Belly” Klein with a guy in a funny costume, and virtually erased him from its history.
David’s son Bert grew up wondering why his father was never happy, and after years of virtual estrangement he set out to discover the truth about what happened. This movie is about both sides of the American dream. It tells how a forgotten genius lost his beans, but kept his soul.
Candyman: the David Klein Story (21).
A cartoon portrait by Bert Klein of his Dad
Buy it Here:
Amazon.com: Candyman: David Klein, Weird Al Yankovic, Bert Klein, Costa Botes: Movies & TV.
Download or stream it on iTunes.
Candyman: The David Klein Story (DVD) | IndiePix Films.
Posters:
There has been some interest expressed in the Candyman poster. This shows David Klein dressed in the Gumdrop Kid outfit made especially for him by Nudie, of Nudie’s Rodeo Tailor fame. Nudie was the Hollywood tailor to the stars, with clients like Elvis, John Wayne, Robert Redford, and hundreds of others. The story of David Klein’s suit is told in one of the DVD extras.
At present we don’t supply posters commercially, but if anyone is desperate to have a picture of a large roly poly man in a white suit and silly hat festooned with colourful gumdrops, then contact me. Perhaps something can be arranged.
Music in The Film:
All music used in Candyman was composed and performed by Tom McLeod. His website can be found here:
Tom McLeod composer and arranger for film, television, recordings, big bands, stadium shows.
Tom’s song, “My Own Line”, featured in the film, is available for download on iTunes. You can hear his demo version here:
LA Times Backgrounder
Column One: Jelly Belly creator sour over lost legacy but sees sweet future – latimes.com.
Jelly Belly Pushcart in Century City Plaza c.1978
Film Reviews:
Candyman: the David Klein Story review || Onfilm Magazine.
Candyman : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video.
http://www.examiner.com/indie-movie-in-raleigh/dvd-review-candy-man-the-david-klein-story-review
Candyman: The David Klein Story (Review).
CANDYMAN: THE DAVID KLEIN STORY – HOT DOCS 2010 | CDNfilm Festival Reviews.
Candyman: The David Klein Story < PopMatters.
TheDocumentaryChannel article.
http://www.brandedinthe80s.com/in-life-you-only-need-to-be-a-genius-for-15-seconds-
Candyman: The David Klein Story.
Interviews and Video Links:
Park City TV:
BNN Canada:
Hot Docs: The Jelly Belly Empire [05-04-10 12:20 PM].
Live with Ryan Doyle
Capital Times, Wellington. What’s on in Wellington.
Odd & Unexpected:
Atheist Camel: Search results for David Klein.
What’s David Klein Up to Now?
He’s back in the jellybean business, and riding high on candy farts now too … the hit of the annual Chicago candy expo:
This is by far one of the best docos Ive seen..and Ive seen a lot. Right from the opening scenes, I was spellbound. I learnt a lot today, most of all I learnt you are one of the most honest filmmakers I know. Kudos Costa, and to David, I love how you think…