The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • Page 90

3-G THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Sunday, September 3, 1972 On 'Slaughterhouse' And Frank Loesser's Narration Theory comment up a highway ramp In the wrong direction. Somehow or other a scenarist has made honest use of Vonnegut's freehand material without finding a way to make it go up steps. Certainly the Dresden holocaust is in the wrong place in the film; it arrives without preliminary tension and leaves without echoes. Whatever the cause or causes, we live from scene to scene without dread or, for that matter, hope. We just live, and the living isn't all that easy.

I conclude that Loesser may have been right, but that tranquility is an overrated virtue, it may even be, for the species, an Impossible virtue. People axe endlessly devising esthetic schemes for eliminating the "false" de-. lights of narrative. The trouble is they aren't false. Man may be a mess, with' all his self imposed but he Is a true mess; the tensions come with the territory.

Take them away and, the poor thing feels he's gone. out for the evening and" not done anything. Good car chase, though. fire-bombing of Dresden, trips to the planet Tralf an-adore, accounts of the ordinary nights and days of Billy Pilgrim. Vonnegut had Juggled his time-dance deftly: the leaps from outer space to a German hell to an American suburb had been made with a dry, bland Impertinence that was deceptively casual.

Actually, there was a rage at work, a rage and a desperation, that drove the book, whatever its Pilgrimlsh wanderings. SEATED IN the theater, I found myself admiring director George Roy Hill's unselfconscious and un-fussed management of se could only cease thinking in steps, we might lose a pleasant tingle of anticipation now and then but we'd also shed the burdens that make us the harried creatures we are. I SUPPOSE there's something in it. The Intense curiosity that governs our lives also dooms us to a kind of permanent purgatory. Then, when I have supposed there is something in It, i go to a performance in the open air of the Lincoln Center Plaza to see a primitive but very a i ia "Street Theater" rock musical about kids on a city block who may or may not, it all depends upon tomorrow become junkies.

quence after sequence. Well done, I thought, well done. But after a while I noticed that everything seemed done. I mean, once a sequence was over, it was over. I was adequately occupied but I wasn't looking forward to anything.

The film, carefully made, had no motor. When you consider that, among other things, it contains one of the most gen-u 1 1 funny, genuinely horrendous car chases to have come along in a year's glut of car chases, the situation is even stranger. Bill Pilgrim's now hys-t 1 a 1 and never very bright wife has Just heard that Billy's in the hospital, and off she goes, careening And what do I notice at the very edge of the platform stage? A gaggle of four-or-five-year-olds six of them, I think there were with their elbows propped up on the floorboards, Bheir fingers folded back toward their shoulder blades, their heads thrust forward and their eyes focused fiercely on the coffins that are being carried away filled with uselessly dead soldiers and Just as uselessly dead heroin addicts. It wasn't the music they were mesmerized by. Their attention never strayed to the rapt chap whipping away at the electric guitar.

They were locked to the actors, straining to join them in their dilemma. I realized that nothing has killed in me the question, "What will happen if not after all these years of often sorry exposure an evening or two later as I dropped into a local movie house to catch up with "Slaughterhouse Five." I had admired Kurt Von-negut's novel and been held by it: Through the nnnnnnnnnnQ "r- A If TIM AIM IIIHUIV I If Hill By WALTER KERR (c) N. Y. Times Service NEW YORK The composer Frank Loesser used to have a theory that, ir ever It had been taken seriously, would have ended drama overnight. It was Loesser's contention that nil of our troubles In this world come from our narrative sense.

He was at teast half-serious about it, though there was always a faintly ghoulish gleam in his eye that suggested the fun he was having in toying with a notion i that would put a prompt end to his own work as a writer for the tlheater. Whenever I met him at a party he was an engaging, playfully random kind of man to talk to he would at once launch into this proposition that would leave us both without jobs. I feel he was trying me on for sighs. Anyway, his theory was simply this: If, somehow, we could kill the instinct we have for asking "What happens next?" or "What about tomorrow?" or "What will be the consequences of my doing this, or that?" we'd all instantly be as happy as uncaught clams. All of our apprehensions, anxieties, phobias and projected frustrations come from thinking of the step after this one, caused; or 'accidental, and if we Scenic bruises 621-8036 Charters Available Mostel Zeroes In On China PUBLIC EXCURSIONS SUNDAY LABOR DAY 2 P.M.

TO 5 P.M. Adults $2.00 Children $1.00 Take Covington Exit off 175. Ft. Washington Way or Race Street to Greenup Covington. by Suspension Bridge TOKYO in what (AP) Dressed looks like a NOW films no Chinese nightgown, his eyes bulging, his mustaches quivering, Kublai Khan cries, "Another dance!" and drags Marco Polo onto the banquet hall floor.

Then, while the nubile young ladies of his court wiggle their midriffs, Kublai glides past with nods, wreathed smiles, and the silver nails of his little fingers raised imperiously in midair. It is a scene from a new began as a painter and keeps it up during his spare time here he visited the museums. His interest in China Is genuine, he was a close friend of the late Kdgar Snow, who wrote "Red Star Over China" and was a friend of Mao Tse-tung. After a start as a night club comedian, Zero went on Broadway then to Hollywood. There was a period of closed doors during the McCarthy era because he had once entertained at left-wing clubs.

HIS COMEBACK has been brilliant Three Tonys for starring In Io-nesco's "Rhinoceros," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "Fiddler on the Roof." What is his favorite role? "None," he said. "1 prefer Idleness." iTT CINCINNATI GARDENS Vrl FIRST CINCINNATI INTER-LEAGUE 8075 Reading Rd. Suite 20S cTuIOiOTimMJ PHONE I Compatibility NAME SKATING GAMES! PIONEERS WITH WESTON ft ROBINSON THUNDERBIRPS WITH ft VALUDERES SUNDAY, SEPT. P.M. URSDAY, SEPT.

218:00 P.M. ADDRESS. CITY. In A Light Look At History Zero Mostel, right, plays Kublai Khan, and Desi Arnaz Jr. the young Marco Polo PIONEERS VS THUNDERBIRDS RESERVED SEATS: $5.00 $4.00 $3.00 SOW SUE IT THE WIDENS Ll TICKETROK OUTLETS WITCH HOLLER DERBY ON CH.

IS SIT. a 4:00 P.M. SUN. 1 Watch Roller Games next Sunday on Channel 19 at a p.m.L-U Keel REVIEWS THE CRITICS knew what they were not recognizing. "It was something that wasn't.

How, out of the mist it has emerged. And we have found that the Chinese eat and breath." He paused, 'and added sagely, "and do the What did he know about China? "I've been in many Chinatowns." he said. "And a lot of laundries. I guess I've lost about 40 shirts in them." Zero has his serious side, but he keeps it hidden. He Til CHARLIE Gregarious, easy-going, everyman's critic.

tireless, not IERRY Scholarly, scathing, subtle, clever, loves theater, prefers to be tough. Fr. BILL One of the best, perceptive, demanding, but through it all, kind. MARY Salty, humorous, able. friendly to performers, unprcdict-" CLIP THIS VALUABLE COUPON THE CRITICS REVIEW 'BAREFOOT' I 40 MILE ALL DAY RIVER CRUISE I SkCSSJSHS musical film called "Marco," detailing the adventures of the young Marco Polo at the 13th century Court of the great Chinese ruler.

Desl Arnaz Jr. plays the role of Marco. The great Khan is Zero Mostel. For, whatever else it may be, "Marco" probably will be remembered for a long time to come of what Zero has done to Kublai. The scene with the court dancers alone should be worth the price of admission.

The film Is directed by Seymour Robbie and produced by Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass for "Tomorrow Entertainment," a subsidiary of the General Electric Co. MOST OF IT was shot in the studios of the big Japanese Toho Co. here. For a while Zero had high hopes of getting President Nixon to the Great Wall of China for one of the scenes. But when Peking, perhaps forewarned, lsmoredi fads request for an Invitation, ha settled for an ersatz wall on Oshlma Island off Ka-makura, south of Tokyo.

Choice of the Island was Ironic. Kamakura was the scat of Japan's 13th centu-r military government which repulsed two invasions by Kublai Khan's forces. It rained during the shooting on the island, the actors got cinders in their eyes from a nearby active volcano, and the hotel was a disaster. "I think Oshlma defeated Kublai," said Zero, rolling his eyes. "That hotel did It.

They fed him pickles and rice three times a day and old seaweed." And what about China today? SITTING heavily on a folding chair, and fighting the heat with an icebag on his head and an electric fan at this side, Zero snorted. "It's pretty remarkable that It exists at all, since It hasn't for so many years in the minds of American politicians. They never Sunday, Sept. 3 SPECTACULAR 1 lib bll7 CHAPERON if you're looking for fun and food and plenty of both, head out to Beef 'n' Boards BAILEY, Enquirer I was delighted by Nick Clooney's new-found ability as a comedic actor reminded me of Tony an entertainment a delicious dinner and an amusing comedy MARY WOOD, Post lots of clever jokes i a meticulously well-paced show enough sense of characterization to suggest it was not Nick Clooney playing Nick Clooney STEIN, Post Nick Clooney (is) enjoyable Llewellyn Thomas as a telephone repairman almost steals tbe show HAGERTY, CSNI NEW RICHMOND, OHIO IftXll .11. Ill 111, I LU CO a.

LU CO 1 I IXNick Clooney MONDAY, SEPT. 4 Picnic Baskets Permitted Snack Bar Available Boat loads 10:00 AM Sails 11 AM E.T.R. 5:30 PM Adaits $4.00. Reg. CALL 42 1 -4455 ChildiEii Under 12 iZ ll 1,1 Bi crJwjy Fcg.

52.50 Adjacent to Stadium Cmti. Ohio 00 i a. 5-MAN SKYDIVE into Coney's SUNLITE POOL in A Dl MEREST ALL DA I'RIP Ei'ERY SI XDAr I CLIP THIS VALUABLE COUPON laaBMW GANNAT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS Met? "inner antf show fo onijg price I RESERVATIONS ONLY 317-4124 mm DINNER THEATDI en h. ioa Jit nmimm as CLOSES SEPT: 17 At 3.00 P.M. this Sunday, five death defying skydivers will jump 5000 feet into Sunlite Pool! Breathtaking precision! Aerial acrobatics! (If weather is bad.

skydive will be Monday. Sept. 4) UST CHANCE TO SWIM TILL NEXT Don't wait till next year to catch all the sun and fun at Coney's Sunlite Pool! Last day to swim this year is Monday, Sept. 4 PICNIC AT P00LSIDE Full picnic facilities next to pool, but please no rills or lass containers. BIG $10,000 DOOR FRIDAY, OCT.

68:30 P.M. UNIVERSITY of DAYTON ARENA TUES. 8 P.M., SEPT. 26, MUSIC HALL LIMITED TICKETS ADVANCE TICKETS S8.00 $1.50 Children Mm $1.75 Adults Free Forking Coney's Sunlite Pool Route 52 at Kellogg Avenue mwm MAIL EARLY DOOR TICKETS S10.C0 SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO: GANNAT PRODUCTIONS 205 W. WACHER SUITE 200, CHICAGO, ILL ENCLOSE SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE, PLUS 25 cents HANDLING CHARGE PER TICKET.

wmmmim if NOW UST TWO TIMES TODAY AT 245 and 7:30 PM GIORGIO TOZZI, MARION MARLOWE, ANDY OEVINE in "MUSIC IN THE AIR" THROUGH SEPT. 4 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Erich Kunzel, conducting PROUDLY PRESENTS ITS THIRD ANNUAL svdpmdic stadium spectacular MhH.I'yWV.'H.l BESIDES GETTING A LOOK Tuesday through Sunday Eve SEPT 5 through SEPT 10 8 Big Dazzling Performances! AT THE ZOO (INCLUDING MS.t MAUD, THE SMILING HIPPO, OUR NEWBORN GORILLAS, AND OUR NEW LEMON 1,3 i i An EXTRA SPECIAL on our Season Ticket FOR ADULTS ONLYI -A. i 4 THE OCTOPUS) HERE'S WHAT ELSE YOU GET: ANN CORIO IERRY LESTER Bag of coupons worth $5 to every family at thegateT In the glittery musical comedy treat of the year "THIS WAS Featuring Jazz Trumpeter AL I1IRT and his New Orleans Band Plus A Fantastic Display of FIREWORKS Discount admission coupon available r' from local merchants. cZTi Rational Concert BURLESQUE" HARRY COIMLEY TOP PRICE: PHONE 223-2248 Tun through Sat 8:30 Sunday Eve ...7:30 Sat A Sun .2:45 51-75 $3.50 FREE ANIMAL SHOWS 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

GIVE-AWAY-SHOW 2 p.m. FREE BINGO 4 p.m. Prizes and surprises each hour plus special award each day of 10,000 Green Stamps Cincinnati Police and Fire Department displays Snoopy on grounds daily. Major Prizes to be awarded on Labor Day! Grand Prize: AMERICAN MOTORS 1972 GREMLIN 1 PHONE RES'NS HELD TIL 10-MINUTES BEFORE SEATS AVAILABLE RIGHT UP UNTIL CURTAIN TIME! MAIL ORDERS FILLED PROMPTLY: Write Kenley Memorial Hall, Dayton, Ohio. Sunday, September 10, 7:30 p.

m. Cincinnati's Beautiful Riverfront Stadium (In cose of rain, concert will be September 1 1 7:30 p.m.) BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY PLUS! PLUS! PLUS! RCA 19 Inch Color TV Three Piece American Tourlster Luggage Kodak Hawkeye Insta-matic-X Camera Outfit Minn Kota Electrlo Fishing Motor 3 H.P. 24 In. 6-24 Volts Gibson 1972 UVt Cu. Ft Market Master Refrigerator Dynasty Springs and Mat tress by Stearns-Foster Co.

CHILDREN UNDER 12 $1.00 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT COMMUNITY TICKET OFFICE 29 W. FOURTH ST. AND AT THE CONCERT FREE CALL FROM CINCINNATI TO THE DAYTON BOX OFFICE. DIAL 628-4964. TICKETS ALSO AVAIL-ABLE AT TRI.COUNTY SEARS.

ALSO AT TICKETRON COMMUNITY TICKET OFFICES AT ALL SHILLITO'S STORES. 4 AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER FREE PRIZE3 4 1.