Variety (September 1961)

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West Side Story (SONG—PANAVISION 70— COLOR) Smash picturization of BroadWay musical with Handsome prospects indicated. Hollywood. Sept. 14. Verted Artists relecse ¢F Robert Wise Frecuetin presented by Mirch Pictures, ie asscctafion with Screen Aris Preduc- frems Stes Natale Wood. Richard Bevries Reuss Tembisn. Rites Morenyu, Gecrge Chikeris. Duected by Wise ind Jereme Rcbbins. Screenplay. Ernest I. imzn, based cn staze pluy preduced by Rebert E Gritfith, Harcild S Prunce. Rack be Arthur Laurents: music. Leonard Bernatern: IWwerice, Stephen Sondherm: ¢h.eceraphy, Robbins: production designer, Bors Leven. camera. Daniel L Fapp: ed;far. Themss Stanford. Previewed -at Carthay C.:rcle Theatre., Los Angeles. Cai. Sept. 33, ‘61. Running time. 153 MINS. : Marta . onc. ecwee eee. Natalie Wood TOMV 2. Lecce cw wee eee Richard Be.mer RrfE 2. ce cee ween Russ Tambisn Anita eww sees. Rita “loreno Bernardo -... George Chakiris Loeuterant Schrank . Simon UOuklund C4fice: Krupke .wW dlam Bramilev Dee ewe ee’ Ned Glass. Glad Hand .............. John Astin Mudem Lucia ..........Peary Santon Chine. ok e ecw ee . Javé De Vega Pere as seesesseses « Jay Notman Indigo 2... ... cee ees ae. Gus Tirkenis LuiS ....6.1 cee cece Robert Thumpson Roceco ...... Lew vesaces Larrys Roquemore Leeu . wece cece ew eeee Jamie Rogers JUNO 2. ccc es cee eaees Eédie Verso Chile kk eee eee Ardre Tayir Toro aaa ew acees Nick Covacevich Del Campo ............ Rudv Del Campo CO we eee eee Tucker Smith Action —s nsec cas eacseee Tony Mordente Baby John .......-.....-. Eliot Feld ARab ....eeeee weceee Pavid Winters Snawhboy .. wwe eee Rert Michaets Joy boy + pw ewe weeee. Robert Banas Big Deal ..........0.... Scooter Teague Gee-Tar .. ........ Tommy Abbott Mouthpiece ......... Harvey Hohnecker TIREK cece eee e ence David Bean Anybodss .............. Sue O. kes Graziella 2... ......005 Gina Trikonis Velma we eae Carole D’ Andrea Consuelo .. 0 6... eee eee Yvenne Othon Rosaha ww eee ce Suzie Kave Francisca. Joanne Miya “West Side Story” is a beautifuliv-mounted. impressive, emofion-ridden and violent musical which, in its stark approach to a raging social problem and. realism of unfoldment, may set a pattern fur future musical presentations. Screen takes on” a new dimension in this powerful and sometimes fascinating translation of. the Broadway musical to the greater scope of motion pictures. The Robert Wise production. said to cost $6.000.000. should pile up handsame returns, first on a roadshow basis and tater in general runs. — The Romeo and Juliet theme. Prepeunded against the seething backgrcund of rival and bitterlyhating youthful Puerta Rican and American gangs ‘repping the Mantagues and the Capulets: on the upper West Side of Manhattan, makes for both a savage and tender admixture of roniance and war-tothe-death. Technically. it is superb; use of color is dazzling, camera work often is thrilling, editing fast with dramatic punch, production design catches mood as well as acnhion itself, Even more notable, however, is the music of Leonard Bernstein and most of all the breathtaking choreogri.phy of Jerome Robbins, who in tilm is not limited by space restrictions of the stage. His dancing numbers probably are fee inost Spectacular ever devised |. and lensed, blending into story ! and ce iving on action thet is electhifying to spectator and setting a pace which communicates to viewer. Bernstein's Stephen Sondheim's expressive Ihrics, accentuates the tenseness that constantly builds. Ernest T.ehman's — screenplay, based upon Arthur Laurents’ sotid and compeling book in Robert E. Griffith and Hareld S. Prince’ Broads iy production, is a faithful adartatien in whieh he reflects the brutality of the juve gangs which vent upon each other the hatred they feel against the world. Here is juvenile delinquency in its worst and most dangerous sense, , and Wise, as producer and codirector with Jerome Robbins. catches the spirit in devastating fashion. It is a preachment against j.d. even rue ‘potent than though it. were a “oiesSage picture” and in & sense may lack popular appeal. but in the final analysis the overall structure js so superior that it should, delixer mass impact. In his direction, Wise utilizes both the stage and screen technique; i.e., Jong holds on individual scenés and bits of action which suddenly switches to Eftect is stimulating. Plottage tocuses on the romance of a ycung Pueite Rican girl with & Tainland hex. which fans the ‘eninity between the two gangs and | ultiniately: leads %¢ the ‘runnble’ ‘is Tess certain. * ‘ tector. delineated, and members of the ‘two gangs, recruited from. various : “Story” _Moreno, “West Side. score, with: . MUSIC. dynamic movement.: FILM REVIEWS which leaves both gang. leaders dead of knife wounds and climaxing in the murder of the American swain by girl's Puerto Riean proCharacters are excellently troupes, both Broadway and national, satisfactorily combine the‘r menace with terrific dancing. : Natalie Wood offers an entranc-. ing performarice us the Puerto: Rican who falls in iove with Rich| ard Beymer,+forbidden by strict; neighborhood ban against group: interniingling, and = latter = im-— presses with his singing. Most celarful performance, perhaps, is offered by George Chakiris, leader cf the Puerto Rican gang, the: Sharks. and brother of femme lead. ' who appeared in London company in same role portrayed here by: Russ Tamblyn. leader of the white.’ Jets gang. Tamblyn socks over his * portraval and scores partieulamy with his in love with Chakiris, presents a fiery characterization and also. scores hugely. In rugged support, Tony Mordente stands out as a Jets member ~ who wants action: Tucker. Smith, another white gangster; Simon. Oakland and William Bramley, police officers; Ned Glass as. owner of the candy store where the two gangs hold their war council. Musical numbers are topped by “America,” of U.S. against those of Puerto Ricans’ homeland and providing one of the most sensational production dances of entire pic. “Cool.” by Tucker Smith, is back-. ground for another terrific. dance routine, as is “Gee, Officer Krupke.” Another spirited dance is the two gangs terping on neutral ground tn the neighborhood gymnasium, fast and furious. and opening “Jet Song.” led by Tam-— blyn. gives audience an impression of what is to came. Half a dozen straight song numbers also lend melody and charm, including “Maria.” sung by Bey ‘mer; two cther singles by Beymer, . “Something Comin’” and “Some-_ where”: “I: Feel Pretty,” led by. Miss Wood: “Tonight.” duet’ by Beymer and femme; “I Have a Love,” Wood; “A Boy. Like That,” Rita Moreno; “One Hand.: One Heart.” Beymer-Wood.. ‘Singer Marni. Nixon dubs Wood's voice and so perfect is the effect that audience isn't aware it isn’t actress’ own voice. Film, opening with a three-minute orcthestral overture, has: been expertly. filmed by Daniel L. Fapp, whose. aerial prolog.. looking straight down Gotham as camera flies from the Battery uptown -and swings toa provides impressive views. Johnny. Green conducts music score, which runs 51? minutes: Thomas. ‘Stanford’s — tight editing maintains a generally rapid pace; Boris Leven. scores as production designer; and Saul Bass is responsible for novel presenta tion of titles and credits. Irene . Sharaff, who designed costumes .: for Broadway, repeats here... Whit. Recordando. -Remembering) Santiago, Sept. 14. Producclones Cinematoxgceficas Alfonso |. Nrranio. Directed and edited bv “Edmundo Uriutia. Script. Vietoriano Reyes: Hector Carvajal: n‘rrator, Gus: ° tuvo Saleado. At Bandera ‘Theatre. Rup-. ning time, &5. MIN Put together from old newsreels. and other films that were bought per kilo by director Edmundo Urrutia befdre they found their way to junk, this is a pic that evokes a mood of gentle nostalgia. Over half the total footage is pre1925. It includes scenes from “Verfuenza” a Chilean feature of 1922 vintage and from a German film on interplanetary travel exhibited in Santiago in 1917: Newsreel clips have obvious his-. torical interest. The most: exciting are cerca 1910. and include: celebrations of the first centennary of Chile’s independence, one of the first planes to fly in Santiago and an excellently lensed 15-minute coverage of President Montt’s funeral ‘also 19101 French cameraman Jules ChaveJains. Well edited. with brief introductory and closing footage shot by Urrutia, “Recordando” also has. a good atmosphere-creéating. score by Carvajal, but somewhat flat and . reiterative text by Reyes. Local box office’ prospects are excellent, but inte®national appeal * ‘Chile! acrobatie: terping. Rita * lyrics pitting. virtues” upon. ‘Pedro by ‘The Hustler ’ Plenty of exploitation needed for long, sordid story of a pool shark. Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason names, as help. Hollywood, Sept. 23. TwentiethFox rele: se of Robert Rossen ‘ production. Stars Paul Newman; tures Piper. Laurie, . George Cc. » Jackie Gleasen. Directed by: Rossen. } Screenplay. Rossen; Sidney. Carroll, based on novel by Walter S. Tevis; Gene Shrfton: editor. Deedee Allan. -Pre* viewed at Westwood Village : Sept. 22, "bl. Ranning time, 134 MINS. | Eddie Félson .....:..... Paul Newman Minnesota Fats ......... Jackie Gleuson Sarah Packard |........ Piper. Laurie Bert Gorden ......;.. Geurge C. Seott Charlie “Burns° "eeeesees Myton McCormick , Findlay... ve... see Murray Hamilton“ : Big John . . Michzel Constantine ; Preacher ay weicees, StefanGierasch Bartender ......... , ‘Jake LaMotta Cashier .-.......... “Gordon B. ‘Clarke Scare Keeper. wee eeetecee Alexander Rose Waitress tees e vances “Carols Coates “Young Hustler ........ ; Carl York. Bartender leet ne Vincent Gardinia { ‘ : “The Hustler’ belongs. to. that School of screen realism that al lows impressive performances but’ defeats. the basic . goal. of pure entertainment. This Robert Rossen: pr ‘oduction accomplishes its pur pose of providing a showcase for characterization, but ° by .same token is shy.on appeal. Prospects are spotty, lack of femme interest and. film's subject ‘matter requir ing ‘unusually hard selling. Pleasant characters set down against a backdrop of cheap pool halls and..otherwise dingy sur‘roundings. Chief protagonist is Paul Newinan, a pool shark with a compulsion to be the best of.the lot; not in tournament ‘play but in beating Chi¢ago's bigtime player. Jackie Gleason. Unfoldment of the Rossen-Sidney Carroll screenplay, based: on.-novel by Walter S. Tevis, is far overlength, and despite the excellence of New man's’ portrayal of the boozing. pool hustler the sordid aspects of * overall picture. are strictly. down. beat. Newman is entirely believable in the means he takes to defeat Gleason, and. latter socks over a dramatic role which, though compara tively brief. generates potency. In: some respects, the quiet strength of his characterization over shadows . Newman in their scenes together. Piper Laurie establishes herself solidly as ah -actress as .a_harddrinking ‘floosie who: lives with Newman,. and George .C. Scott scores as a gambler who promotes Newman and teaches him the psychology -of “being a winner. Myron McCormick as.) Newman's early manager and Murray Hamil ton as a rich Lexington, Ky., bil-. liard enthusiast lend able support. Rossen. has directed with a harsh: hand, developing ‘his ‘theme satis factorily and setting a pattern: of ‘grimness. Teclmical departments are in ‘keeping with the mood, in-: eluding Gene Shufton's. photog raphy, Harry. Horner and Albert. Ww hit. The Devil at: A o € ‘lock (GOLOR) Brenner's art direction: . Exciting ‘tropical isle meller with Spencer Tracy and Frank Sinatra to. spark b.o. attention. Hollywood, Sept. 17. . Columbia Pictures release of Fred, Kehimar-Mervyn LeRoy production, produced by Kohlmar, directed: by: LeRoy. ‘Stars Spencer’. Tracy. Frank ‘Sinatra; “features Kerwin Mathews, Jean Pierre: Aumont, Gregoire ‘Aslan. | Alexander , Scourby, Barbara Luna, Bernie Hamilton, Cathy .Lewis, Martin Brandt. Screenplay, ° Liam. O'Brien, from novel by. Max Catto; -tcamera (Eastman-volor), Joseph : Biroc; ' editor, Charles Nelson: .musit, George ‘ ' Duning. Previewed ‘at. Screen Directors; * Guild Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.;. Sept. 761. Running time, 425 MINS. . Father Matthew Doonan ‘Spencer Tracy Harry ‘Frank Sinatra ; Father Joseph . Perreau’ Kerwin: Mathews ; Jacquég ...5....... Jean Pierre Aumant Marcel . oi .....4.. Gregorie Aslan The Governor wee . Alexander Scourby Camille ........ eeeeesee.. Barbara Luna. Matren ..... Sec peaeee: -Cathy Lewis , Charlie sae, ” Bernie Haniilton ‘ Dr.. Wexler ...-.....,...... Martin Brandt : Aristide. -....ccecee ae eeeeee. Lou Merrill Gaston 2... ces. .ee eoeesss. Marcel Dalio Paul... eee econ ctees. Tom Middleton Clarisse .. 2.0... Seco nce »+... Ann Duggan’ Corporal. ....,0ccccsce anes . Louis Mercier . Margot .....-0.-eve.0..:. Michele Montau ! Fleagr ..n. ce cece ces es Nanette Tanaka . Antoine ..... ‘seceeeseeTONY Maxwell Captain Olsen: .......... . “Lucky” Luck ' Louis -....... aces oaeeds soe, Jean Del Val Sonia ......5...... qececeess Moki Hana — Napoleon ......... eee Warren Hsieh -Constable ..........:; William Keaulani : Fauquette ........ Nor man Josef Wright . Mariarine ec ewseawe. -Robin Shimatsu i “The Dev it at 4 O'Clock,” despite a meaningless title, stirs: up , enough suspense and ‘excitement,. backed by draw of Spencer Tracy and Frank Sinatra, to. rate as a strong entry in ‘the ‘general market. A small ‘volcanic South Seas isle ‘ tiiakes ‘a ‘colorful sétting | ‘f{6t this fea. ‘Scott. : i plus credits. Plot is off the beaten | ‘camera . story. , Theatre, Film is. peopled by a set of un° rn ee es { “Palace, N. ¥. > 14. i ‘tale of heroism and sacrifice, but. vying with interest in characteriza[ jtions are the exceptional special |. j effects of an ‘island. béing blown 4to pieces, enhanced by potent use | age of Eastman-color. . Fred Kohlmar produces and } Mervyn. LeRoy directs the Liam ‘O’Brien screenplay, based’ -on: a novel by Max Catto, for definitely path for an adventure yarn, of a priest 'Tracy) who. with. three ‘Bernie Hamiltan) of the children in a mountain-top leper hospital by leading them through tire and. lava flow to the coast and a W aiting schooner after ; the yolcano erupts and island is; doomed to certain destruction. -Traev delivers ‘one: of his" more colorful portrayals in his. hard drinking Cleric who has lost’ faith | in his God, walloping over a. character ‘which sparks entire action. of -125-minute film. Sinatra's role,. first-elass but minor in compari son, overshadowed in: interest ‘by. Aslan, one of the convicts in a Stealing part who lightens .some. of the more dramatic action. Third ; con, Hamilton, also delivers solidly ; as the strong man who-holds up. a} tottering wooden bridge over: a. deep gorge while the children and. others from hospital “eross to safety. Barbara Luna is appealing andpretty and Cathy Lewis scores as hospital: matron in’ a_ brief’ part: Also excellent are Alexander: Scourby, governor of the. island . who orders its ‘evacuation; Pierre Aumont, pilot. of plane. which drops Tracy and convicts | over hospital; Martin Brandt. hos{ pital doctor;. ‘Kerwin Mathews, missionary who is. replacing. Tracy on island. Special effects of Larry Butler and Willis Cook highlight the picture. filmed impressively in color ! by Joseph Biroc on the vivid: island ‘of ‘Maui in the Hawaiian. group. : Closeups of a voleano in actual. eruption. long shots and the devas: tation created by fire and lava are reatistically presented ‘in such a fashion that these sequences are. among the most exciting. in special effects. history. | Charles. Nelson’s tight editing, , John Beckman's suitable art: direction and. George Duning’s musi, cal score. are further assets. | oo Whit, The Mighty Crusaders (ITALIAN-DUBBED-COLORSUPERCINESCOPE) Weak Italo spec. entry.° Falcon Productions presentation: of a! .Max Productions (Octavio. Poggi) picture. i: ‘Stars Frantisco Rabal, Sylva _ Koscina; feature Gianna Marla Canale. Rick: Battaglia, Philippe Hersent.: Directed’ by: : Carlo Ludovicio Btagaglia. Alessandro Continenza; English version, Frederica Nutter, A. Limentani: editor, ! enato | Cinquini; ‘camera, Rodolfo Lom_bardi; music. Roberto Nicolosi. At’. the j ‘Sept. 23, ‘61. -Running, time, : B7 MINS. i Tanerid .e..eeeec acne Francisco ‘Rabal ; Glorinda. .........-. “Armida .o......0 0% Gianna. Maria Canale ; Renaldo Lees Rick -Battaglia ; Geoffr ey of Bouillon. . --Philippe Hersent ; While it's not very chic to find "something good to say about the rash of Italo spec films seen. this |. ' side recently, the facet is that of; ;number of them have actually ful-}. filled their corny ad promises of ‘gaudy, if primitive, cinematic excitement. In other words, within ‘the limitations of the genre ther can be. successful. However,. “The ‘Mighty Crusaders” is a lethargic. -stilted film with practically nothing to recommend it for any. audience. + The confused tale, with a cast. of tens, purports to recount how .the iCrusaders finally captured Jeru‘Salem in the 11th Century. Seems [ ald. they. had to do was put a-couple of wobbly ladders against the walls. climb up, knock a few heads to‘gether and take over. Filling out ,the narrative is a tentative love iaffair between a crusading. knight ‘and the warrior-daughter of the King. of Persia. Her penchant for donning armor’ and joining the ibattle results in the affair’s tragic denouement: her lover, not recognizing her under all. the tinplate, ‘runs her through with his. sword in‘ ‘the heat of the. climatic battle. How's that for irony? . : | Performances by Franctsco .Rabal, as the knight, and. Sylva | Koscina, as the princess, are: no i better. than’ the ‘material... Color and camerawork are so-so. The English dubbed voices are hollow and often disembodied, . but the arth dialog‘ is sopetimes, good for| }@ laugh, " Aitbys * Wednesday, September 27, 1961 convicts. (Sinatra, Gregoire Aslan, save the lives | In for romance with Sinatra: P "Jean: Screenplay, j Le. Temps Du Gheite “(The Time of the Ghetto) | (FRENCH—DOCUMENTARY) Paris, Sept, 25. : Films De La Pielade release of Pierre. Braunberger production. Written and ‘{ directed by Frederic .Rossif « with addi ‘tional commentary ‘writing by’ Madeleine Chaptal; additional. camera: work, Marcel Fradetal; editor, Suzanne Baron. Preemed in Paris.‘Running. tine, 82 MIN : Pie. is not: just another mounting. of. the’ Warsaw. Ghetto footage. Presumably only a small -part -of this footage has ‘been seen in. other films of this’ type. Painstaking’ Tes search has unearthed enough to be * able to show. a more rounded pic. pture of the. infamous episode ‘of 1943. The. herding. ‘into ‘the. Ghetto -. lis depicted and then the daily life. © ‘iIt shows the attempts at first of: :lttying to make it a sort of slave |. city with its own laws and: -enforce|. . Ment agencies: The moves by some. ‘leaders “to subjugate’ their own ; peoples, in.a misguided notion: it: . might save them, are also shown’ as well as their. falling | into their - awn trap of eventually per secuting:. ‘their ‘people. .: This. could: dead. ‘to. censor problems.). 3 Growing horror, and Joss “of most * human traits’ when the: only desires ‘left: ‘is to survive,. are brought. out as Well-as the. tirial evacuation ané . ‘revolt and complete destruction: ‘of _: the Ghetto. * Narration: is well: ‘spoken by Nae. dine Alari and Jacques Perrot and -the festimonials in closeup. -by. sure ¥ivors also attest. This: -is.a-film ‘worth special handling and. is: explicit and: ‘shattering ‘in its effect. : Mosk. Le. Miracle Des Loups {The “Miracles. ofthe Wolves) | (FRENCH-COLOR-DYALISCOPE) . -Paris.. Sept. 19. |: Pathe release of: PAC-DAMA produc: tion. Stars Jean Marais. Rosanna Schiafi fino: features Roger Hanin. Jean-Loupis. :.Barrault, Annie Anderson, Jean .Marchat. Directed by. .Andre .Hunebelle.’ Screenplay, Jean Ralain, Pierre’ ‘Foucaud, Hune-. belle from the novel -by Heriry Dupuy; Mazuel: camera (Eastmancolori, Marcel Grignon: editor, Jean. Feyte.. At Puris,Paris.: Running time,130 MINS. Robert -.. Jean Marais 7 Jeanne... ese -eeneees Rosazna Schiaffina , Louis XI vee seeceees Jean-Louls. ‘Barrault ' Charles : Roger. Hanin Catherine .. “Annie ‘Anderson. Eveque_ Jean Marchat eee ecw eces seen @eee ee ee ee Aging but still agile Jean “Mar: ‘ais again defends king’ and girl. in. ithis. 16th century tale of political | ‘skullduggery. in “France.Leaning ~ ion. pageant, talk ‘and~-eourt -in.{ trigues, with A good core” of ac---tion, it” will probably: be-a good — grosser here .but -is‘somewhat too’ static for: overseas spots -‘unless wordier scenes are drastically cut, . With’ the jousting scenes, sword-. play and naive love. episodes,’ the .{film. could be. useful for -dualers on its neat color, Scope and costume aspects. The hero saves his girl as well as his king from. the. clutches. of a.w ouldbe. revolu‘tionary: ‘Yassal. |. Marais’ does .all his ‘own stunts. i ‘and is impressive in the heroic ™ ‘posturing. igives a bit .more. weight. to .the ,cast lineup as .the wily king. A ... Sylva Koscina mir ‘avle. is: also rung in-as the hero ine is saved. from.the heavies by. a’ group: -af ferocious: wolves who™ do not touch. her. Production. values. jare.” good: as. are technical credits, “Mask, Houghland & Wright —— ‘Continued from. Page 3 — Mr. Ham,” for which’ “Wright and Simms are completing © script. These have not been pooled inte joint operation. as yet. .Tv -director Robert Altman’ has indicated to Houghland he will direct “Survival” as.soon .as he is given “go” sign. Houghland, a Canadian, has: spent: last eight years in Hollywood do-. ing advertising, ‘publicity. and promotion. For past. three. years he was in Warner Bras. studio praisery. under. Bill Hendricks. Wright has spent 25 years at various studios as film editor and writer. . Aceording to Houghland, ‘Ameri can International wanted to buy-: “Survival” script -but. it isn’t for < sale. He could have made a tidy 7 sum if. peddled, but he and Wright are determined to produce. their. acquisitions on own with a: ‘major studio = backing: . o SKOURAS. BACK,. BOARD ‘MEETS: With the . return Of | 20th-Fox prexy Spyros P. Skouras to New: York from Europe Monday... (23), the company’s regular September Board meeting will go off as sched~ ‘uled ‘Wednesday (27) today .(Wed.)}. “As of late. Monday, _ agenda for thie ‘niéet' ‘hat! ‘hot'be n ‘finalized. . Jean-Louis Barrault -..