Hollywood Studio Magazine (November 1972)

SAY CHEESE SAMPLE-TASTE OUR CHEESE ANDSMILE We'll be pleased to help you select the cheeses and wines for parties and gifts . . . give us a call — 213-885-7080. PRESTIGE VALLEY ESTATES Residental & Income Property STATE 8-9111 17228 Ventura Blvd Encino Best Holiday in North Hollywood up to 125 persons Prices from $2.75 up Call 766-4313 between 2 and 4 p.m. CHTc-:nri>6 THE VALLEY'S LARGEST MARINE DEALER Featuring a complete 1972 line of Johnson outboard motors,Sea Ray Boats, as well as water ski and boating accessories. The Valley's Center for Boat Sales & Service Jiva onr>s*coG 6036 Sepulveda Blvd.,Van Nuys California (213)787-7414 ON FILM SAVAGE MESSIAH - Against the majority of rather mediocre product out now, Ken Russell's new film Stands out shining; this is not to say that "Messiah" wouldn't hold its own under other circumstances. It would. Russell has finally gotten back to the business he knows best: making movies about interesting people. After "Women in Love" and "The Music Lovers," he took time for the bizarre ("The DeviIs") and some fun ("The Boy Friend"). So his current offering is welcome indeed. "Savage Messiah" is about sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska and his turbulent life with a mistress twice his age, the writer Sophie Brzeska. Their experiences together in the early 1900's are depicted by Russell in startling moods that represent well the hipocrasy, dass structure and life style of pre-World War I London and Paris. As usual, Russell seems to have composed each frame of his movie with skillful care. Not restraint, perhaps, but always with infinite care. His scenes, meticulously crafted, show, teil and narrate to the viewer. The producer-director's ability to cast is evident once again too. Dorothy Tutin as Sophie is so earthy, explosive and strong, she will undoubtedly be compared to Russell's earlier find, Glenda Jackson. As the sculptor, newcomer Scott Anthony is excellent. Henri Gaudier-Brzeska was a rebel in his art as well as his life, and the talented Antony puts forth believably. The swift, crisp screenplay for "Messiah" is by Christopher Logue. THE RULING CLASS - There's nothing wrong with this piece of dark comedy that a pair of cutting room scissors couldn't fix. It's original, funny at times, has some good acting. It's just too long; that is, many of its scenes might be deleted and a few others should be shortened. Peter O'Toole plays a paranoid Schizophrenie who inherits an enormous fortune, estate, social position and a seat in the House of Lords . . . much to the dismay of his greedy relatives, who would rather have it themselves. For the film's major shortcoming, blame Peter Barnes. He did the marathon screenplay from his own stage Version, and the job is self-indulgent. The project might have been helped with good direction, but this it never got from Peter Medak, whose idea of shedding light on difficult subjects is, apparently, to overexpose them. ON STAGE DONT BOTHER ME, I CANT COPE - The musical form as social Statement doesn't always work, but Micki Grant's award-winning presentation, directed by Vinnette Carroll, comes mighty close. As excellent musical entertainment, though, it hits the mark. "Cope" is alive and brimming with good songs and good choreography, the best of it done by the stunning Paula Kelly. An all-Black cast does Miss Grant's material proud, and Los Angeles theatre is fortunate for a cooperative venture that allows this production to stay on after a smash summer run. Continuing at the Huntington Hartford. HENRY IV, Part I — Victor Buono stars as Falstaff in the Center Theatre Group production of Shakespeare's historical drama, directed by Gordon Davidson. With Buono are William Devane, Kristoffer Tabori and Penny Füller. Continuing at the Mark Taper Forum. THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE - Art Carney and Barbara Barrie open the sixth season of the Ahmanson Theatre in Neil Simon's comedy hit about folks captive in — where eise? — New York City. Directed by Mike Nichols. Through the 25th at the Ahmanson. MARY C. BROWN AND THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN - A new musical by Dory Previn. Premiere engagement opens on the 26th at the Shubert.