The Slams (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) (1973)

THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS Frank de Kova, currently co-starring with Jim Brown in MGM’s “The Slams,” lists as many college credits as acting credits and enough degrees to be on the faculty of any university. “‘“Shakespeare was the first thing that attracted me to acting. | used to teach English and always made Shakespeare my specialty,’’ says de Kova, perhaps best known for his Chief Wild Eagle role on the popular ‘‘F Troop”’ series. Generally cast in villainous roles, de Kova explains, ‘‘My mother was an actress in Italy and toured with Eleanora Duse. You might say I’m a blue blood. I’ve always loved creative things, especially creative people. “During World War II, | worked as a cryptographer decoding possible unauthorized messages. The office | was working with staged a musical to sell bonds and taking a part for the sake of unity, | discovered a new excitement. After that | kept my hand in the theatre between working hours. After the war | dedicated myself to acting full time. “Then came my first Broadway role in 1946 in ‘Heads or Tails.’ Things were going my way then, so | gave up my teaching career completely because of The Law of Diminishing Returns. There wasn’t enough money or creative challenge in it. | haven’t regretted the decision. Fortunately, since then I’ve done 400 television shows and 60 full length features. “| left New York in 1951 to do ‘The Mob,’ which was filmed in California. It was my first picture after doing years of Broadway. | was on a seesaw, hopping from the East Coast to the West Coast and finally decided to stay in Los Angeles after doing ‘Viva Zapata.’ Occasionally | go to New York to do shows, but Hollywood is home. “‘The character | play in ‘The Slams’ is tough and cruel, but with a sense of humor. | also give him warmth, particularly in the relationship with his bodyguard. | regard him as a son. | bawl him out occasionally.’’ De Kova plays Capiello, a ‘‘King Rat’’ type character in a prison where the smart guy wins. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan and produced by Gene Corman, “The Slams” is an action drama which follows the exploits of a prisoner and his fight against the penal system. The screenplay was written by Richard L. Adams. Meanwhile, the former scholar continues his love for Shakespeare, “‘Right now I’m in rehearsals for ‘The Merchant of Venice’ staged by the Shakespearian Society. We are building a theatre ina former Rolls Royce garage. | hope it will be ready for opening night.”’ A man of determination, de Kova concludes, ‘‘Being an actor | have my goals set for the Academy Award. That might seem shallow, but one must try to achieve the pinnacle of his own business.” Frank de Kova (left) exchanges angry words with Bob Harris over control of the prison’s underground in MGM's ‘‘The Slams.” STILL NO. TS-8 MAT NO. 2D ACTING, HIS TOP PRIORITY A film role in MGM’s ‘‘The Slams’”’ opposite Jim Brown, came about in true storybook fashion for pro-football player Wendell Tucker. The wide receiver for the Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins was on a Sunday outing when it happened. Tucker, who makes his home in Los Angeles during the off-season, had escorted a group of underprivileged youngsters to Los Angeles’ Magic Mountain amusement park where he was approached by Hollywood agent Jacques Girard. “He asked if | was interested in doing a movie with Jim Brown. Like most people, | often thought about acting but never seriously enough to pursue a career. | guess | was just waiting for something like this to happen. Aside from the obvious elation, | was also intrigued by the thought of being able to talk shop with one of the greatest football players to ever play the game.”’ says Tucker, a soft-spoken man who destroys the ‘“‘strong of body, weak of mind’”’ myth about football players. The following day, Girard made arrangements for Tucker to meet the film’s producer, Gene Corman, and director, Jonathan Kaplan. After a successful reading, he was signed to make his motion picture debut in ‘‘The Slams.” Tucker portrays a militant convict in the action packed drama which follows the exploits of a prisoner, played by Jim Brown, and his daring escape from prison to recover a million-and-a-half dollars in stolen underworld money. In addition to Tucker and Brown, ‘‘The Slams’”’ co-stars Judy Pace and Frank de Kova. The film, from a screenplay by Richard L. Adams, was shot entirely on Los Angeles locations. A graduate of South Carolina State College, Tucker was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966. He also played with the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys before joining the Dolphins. “| had given myself ten years in the game, and I’m going into my ninth season. After five years you’re eligible for the National Football League’s pension plan, and five years is considered a long time,’’ says Tucker. While the Dolphins stunned the football world last season by being the first team in the annals of football history to rack up an undefeated season, 17-0, Tucker was forced to watch the action from the sideline due to a dislocated shoulder suffered early in the season. “You condition your mind to play with injuries, so you really don’t think about it when it happens. I’ve been on the field and watched players tape broken bones, and get right in the thick of the action. I’ve played with broken ribs myself, but | had never been sidelined with an injury. “While on the disabled list | had plenty of time to ponder my future. | run a fast forty yard dash, and | know the day | can’t a lot of eyes will be on me. As for acting, now that | have my foot in the door I'll check it out. If things don’t blossom for me, I'll return to school to become a veterinarian,’”’ says Tucker. Acting, however, which was previously just a passing thought, is presently at the top of his list of priorities. Jim Brown and Robert Phillips steal heroin and cash worth over a million dollars in MGM's “‘The Slams.” STILL NO. TS-27 A A A SA MAT NO. 2B