St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 34

4E ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1992 VIDEO WEEK BEST SELLERS DICK RICHMOND AUDIO ft am, NOW PLAYING Morsels Of British Humor "SWEET LOVE, BITTER" Rhapsody Films, $59.95. THE British have a tasty way of pointing out their own foibles and making fun of them. So when they set their eye on something as obviously snaggle-toothed as politics, subtle jokes can come fast and furious. Two volumes of "Yes Minister" (each volume 2 hours, 4 stories in each volume at programs by the BBC, have been released through the Mind's Eye, a California company.

The shows concern a new cabinet minister stumbling through the corridors of power in Great Britain. Paul Eddington stars as the Rt. Hon. James Hacker, the politician appointed to oversee the ministry in charge of monitoring other ministries. Nigel Hawthorne plays Sir Humphrey Appleby, Hacker's permanent secretary, a devious civil servant whose Job it is to make spending.

Sir Humphrey makes an end run by dangling a similar carrot in front of the slow-to-nibble Hacker. The Mind's Eye audios are available by calling (800) 227-2020. When James Grady's book "Six Days of the Condor" was made into a movie starring Robert Redford, it was called "Three Days of the Condor." Name-changing and plot-altering is nothing new for Hollywood, which is always making something terrific "even better." With Grady's latest novel on tape, "River of Darkness" (3 hours, abridged, Random House, $16), one can only imagine how Hollywood might tamper with it. It wouldn't be easy, because the plot, at least in this abridgment, is pretty misty. It's like following a geome-.

This provocative period piece, first released in 1966, stars Dick Gregory as a psychologically tortured, drug-addicted saxophone genius nicknamed "Eagle." The movie is based on "Night Song," a John A. Williams novel about the last days of Charlie Parker. The cast includes Robert Hooks as Eagle's best friend, the proprietor of a New York coffee house; Diane Varsi as the Hooks character's girlfriend, and Don Murray as a young teacher who is searching for himself at the bottom of a shot glass. The effective soundtrack music is by post-bop pianist Mai Waldron. "Sweet Love, Bitter," in its use of jazz both as music and milieu as well as its subtheme of interracial love, is somewhat reminiscent of John Cassavetes' 1959 "Shadows," although It doesn't hold up nearly as well.

Indeed, at times its clumsy surrealism makes it seem like "Shadows" mixed with "Reefer Madness." Dick Gregory's performance as Eagle has some wonderful moments, particularly when he is engaging half ironically in pseudo-British pedanti-cism, as Parker used to do. However, writer-director Herbert Danska errs on the side of melodrama when he is dealing with such serious subjects as racism and drug addiction. Some of his lines hang in the air like bad beat poems. The main audience for this very obscure film, just released on tape, would seem to be Parker fans. As usual with this kind of film, however, you come away knowing more about drug addiction (and white guilt) than you do about musical genius.

That may be as much in the nature of the material, and the elusive quality of genius, as it is the fault of the film makers. Harper Barnes sure that his part of gov try problem presented by ernment runs smoothly no ga8ri matter who's in charge. The laughs occur when the bumbling Hacker at The week's best-selling books, as compiled by Pub-lisher's Weekly: HARDCOVER FICTION 1. "Hideaway," Dean R. Koontz 2.

"Scarlett," Alexandra Ripley 3. "Blindsight," Robin Cook 4. "Private Eyes," Jonathan Kellerman 5. "Line of Fire," W.E.B. Grif-fin Putnam HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1.

"Revolution From Within," Gloria Steinem 2. "Den of Thieves," James B. Stewart 3. "More Wealth Without Risk," Charles J. Givens 4.

"Plausible Denial," Mark Lane 5. "Awaken the Giant," Anth-ony Robbins MASS-MARKET PAPERBACKS 1. "The Firm," Jofrn Grisham 2. "The Prince of Tides," Pat Conroy 3. "Twilight's Child," V.C.

Andrews 4. "Jurassic Park," Michael Crichton TRADE PAPERBACKS 1. "Life's Little Instruction Book," H. Jackson Brown 2. "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," Fannie Flagg 3.

"7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey 4. "The T-Factor Fat Gram Counter," Jamie Pope-Cordle and Martin Katahn tempts to do what he thinks is politically advantageous and is met with passive resistance by 'Sir Humphrey, who tries to a veteran teacher who keeps skipping steps to test the mental agility of his students. Chris Sarandon does a fair job as the reader of this story about a CIA operative who emerges from between the cracks after someone sets out to kill him. The intended victim figures the would-be murderer was sent by the agency, and he turns on the agency, creating a sticky situation.

The prob lead him toward what will work. What works in the mind of the scheming per manent secretary, of course, is what benefits the permanent secretary. For instance, in the ini COMING ATTRACTIONS rnniiii tial show, Hacker is convinced that "Open Government" is what Britain needs. Sir Humphrey's opinion is that everything should be released to the public on a need-to-know basis and that the public needs to know nothing. In "Big Brother," Hacker is horrified to learn that computers are allowing the government to collect all kinds of Information about its citizens.

When he tries to out curbs on information access, Sir Humphrey attempts to put curbs on him. "The Economy Drive" presents its own problems. To save money, Hacker wants to cut personnel, the base of power for a top civil servant. Sir Humphrey, on the other hand, is intent on keeping everyone he has on his monumental staff, and gains a foothold only when he convinces Hacker that the minister's own job might be In jeopardy. In "Jobs for the Boys," which is the British version of the American South's Good 01' Boy syndrome, Hacker is reluctant to participate in something that appears gooey.

Sir Humphrey believes that if you pass the soap eventually everyone comes out smelling good. "Doing the Honours" gives Hacker a chance to make himself attractive politically. He has a plan that will prevent civil servants in his ministry from getting knighthoods and other such perks unless they cut their lem is that the operative was squeezed so far into obscurity that the agency doesn't really know who he is. Random House audios can be found in bookstores or ordered by calling (800) 262-6604. Among the best of the techno-thrfller authors is Dale Brown, who writes about aircraft with such clarity that even the least-inclined can follow what is going on.

In "Sky Masters" (3 hours, abridged, Dove Audio, he has created a situation in the Philippines (circa 1994) in which the Chinese bump their way Into the Spratly Islands and create an international crisis. The United States is drawn in and meets the situation with its latest weaponry. The story becomes as fascinating as following the Gulf War on CNN. The problem Is that current events got ahead of fiction, and some of Brown's political structures are a little out of date. However, the results are the same, so if the listener ignores a bit of awkwardness at the beginning, the tale will hold one's attention.

Joseph Campanella, who has performed other Dale Brown titles for Dove, is right on target again. Dove Audios can be found in bookstores or ordered by calling (800) 345-9945. BRIDGE TIPS 1 By Omar Sharif And Tannah Hirsch East-West vulnerable. South deals. NORTH K97642 864 K73 PETER REXFORD STAMP COIN EXCHANGE KJ WEST A 10 9 7 4 2 Q109 41086 EAST 3 VQ8653 AK 95 4 2 Anti-Slavery Token Valuable IT WAS A sad irony that Alex Haley died during Black History Month, for few people contributed more to the awareness of black history than he did in his writing.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Haley several years ago and have rarely met a more interesting person. In casual conv 'on, he was able to bring alive the ancestral cha had written about in "Roots." On the day I hev. i death, I also received word about a very special natic token that was to soon go under the auctionet hammer. While rare coin auctions transpire every wek, this sale involved a numismatic rarity that would have been of particular interest to Haley. Being sold is a token produced in 1838 bearing an engraved portrait of a slave In chains.

Around the portrait are the words "AM I NOT A MAN A BROTHER." The reverse of the token is almost identical to the one-cent pieces of that period and even contains the words "United States Of America" around a wreath of leaves. Inside the wreath is the legend "Liberty" and the date "1838." For all practical purposes, the item was a penny and was traded as such in 1838. Technically, however, the item is a "token," not a coin, because it was not actually issued by the U.S. government. In collecting circles it is known as a "Hard Times Token." The term "Hard Times Token" refers to a series of privately issued tokens, mostly of the size of the American large cent, issued between 1833 and 1844.

These tokens saw particular popularity and use when the "Panic of 1837" drove regular coins from circulation and the tokens were used as a substitute. It was popular to include engravings of various causes and social movements on the tokens. During that period three of the more popular topics included anti-slavery, anti-alcohol and women's rights. While the slavery-related token is a fascinating memento of abolitionist sentiment many years before the Civil War, it is also an exciting item for hobbyists since it is far rarer than most of the tokens of that day. In fact, the piece being offered at auction is one of only three known specimens, the last of which sold in 1962.

Dr. Richard A. Bagg, auction director for Bowers and Merena Galleries, the firm that is handling the sale of the token, expects the item to realize "well over $10,000." He further noted, "I wouldn't be surprised if it sold for more than $15,000." The anti-slavery token, along with hundreds of other "Hard Times Tokens" collected by Robert J. Hudson, will be sold at auction on March 26 and 27 at the World Trade Center in New York City. Auction catalogs of the sale are available for $15 from: Bowers Merena Auctions, Box 1224-PR, Wolfeboro, N.H.

03894. Do you ever wonder about all the companies that use the slogan "Proud Sponsor of the Olympics" In the advertising? For that honor, each of the companies doles out a substantial financial commitment to the Olympics. That's fair. After all, that's what the word "sponsor" obligates you to do. As in years past, for 1992 the U.S.

Postal Service is again one of those Olympic sponsors. This year, the postal contribution went an extra step beyond just donating athletic funds. For the first time, part of their involvement includes the sponsorship of a program titled "Celebrate the Dream." Through this program, the Postal Service organized accommodations for up to two members of an athlete's family in Albertville, France. That Is definitely going the extra step. I'll admit that I have more respect for an Olympic sponsor, especially one such as the Postal Service, that goes the extra step, than for companies that merely claim their product is the "official" one being used by the athletes.

Somehow, I just don't feel an urgent need to run out and buy the "official lip balm" or "official garbage bag" of the Winter Olympics. Tsilla Chelton plays a cantankerous woman and Laurence Fevrier is her niece in "Tatie Danielle." The following videocassettes are scheduled for national release next week. Local release dates and prices may vary. Drama "An Angel at My ($89.95, New Line Home Video) 1991. Directed by Jane Campion.

Starring Kerry Fox. Chronicle of the troubled life of New Zealand author Janet Frame. "Close My ($89.95, Academy Entertainment) 1991. Directed by Stephen Pofiakoff. Starring Alan Rickman, Clive Owen, Saskia Reeves.

A brother and sister give in to their physical attraction to each other. ($92.99, Warner Home Video) 1991. Directed by Nancy Sa-voca. Starring River Phoenix, Lili Taylor. A young Marine shipping out to Vietnam unexpectedly falls in love with a homely, sensitive folk singer who works as a waitress.

Comedy "Cheap ($89.95, Hemdale Home Video) 1991. Directed by Jeff Ureles and Jerry Stoeffhaas. Starring Louis Zorich, David Patrick Kelly. A rural hotel manager and his tenant's get-rich-quick scheme backfires. "Don Juan, My ($89.95, New Video Group) 1990.

Directed by Antonio Mercero. Starring Maria Barranco, Rossy de Palma, Loles Leon. Don Juan is sprung from Purgatory and told to do a good deed. "Drowning by ($89.98, Live Home Video) 1991. Directed by Peter Greenaway.

Starring Juliet Stevenson, Bernard Hill, Joan Plowrlght, Joely Richardson. Three generations of women with the same first name get rid of their unwanted spouses by drowning them. "The Geisha ($14.95, Paramount Home Video) 1958. Directed by Frank Tashlin. Starring Jerry Lewis, Suzanne Pleshette, Marie McDonald, Nobu McCarthy.

A crazy magician travels to the Far East on a USO tour. "Mystery ($29.98, Orion Home Video) 1991. Directed by Jonathan Wacks. Starring Ethan Hawke, Teri Polo, Brian McNamara, B.D. Wong.

A timid young man goes on a date with the girl of his dreams only to have the evening turn into a nightmare. "Papa's Delicate ($14.95, Paramount Home Video) 1963. Directed by George Marshall. Starring Jackie Gleason, Glynis Johns, Charlie Ruggles, Laurel Goodwin. A tipsy railroad inspector alienates his family; features the Oscar-winning tune "Call Me Irresponsible." "Suburban ($92.96, New Line Home Video) 1991.

Directed by Burt Kennedy. Starring Hulk Hogan, Christopher Lloyd, Shelley Duvall. An intergalactic superhero lands in suburbia. "Tatie ($89.98, Live Home Video) 1991. Directed by Etienne Chatliez.

Starring Tsilla Chelton, Catherine Jacob, Eric Prat, Laurence Fevrier. A mean old woman moves in with her great nephew. Kids "The New Adventures of Winnie the ($12.99 each, Walt Disney Home Video) No date listed. The beloved bear and his friends return in four new volumes: "King of the Beasties," "The Sky's the Limit," "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Pooh to the Rescue." "Sebastian's Party ($12.99, Walt Disney Home Video) 1991. Starring Samuel E.

Wright. The voice of Sebastian the Crab from "The Little Mermaid" leads viewers through a concert taped at Walt Disney World. ($12.99 each, Walt Disney Home Video) No date listed. Four adventures from the TV series that features characters from "The Jungle "Treasure Trap," "Imagine "Wise Up!" and "Search for the Lost City." Thriller ($29.98, Live Home Video) 1991. Directed by Martin Campbell.

Starring Barbara Hershey, Sam Shepard, J.T. Walsh, Mary Beth Hurt. An attorney's affair with a married man turns sour when she discovers he is married to her college roommate and is conspiring with a porn ring. "The Possession of Joel ($14.95, Paramount Home Video) 1972. Directed by Waris Hussein.

Starring Shirley MacLaine, Perry King, Lovelady Powell, Michael Horden. A woman discovers her younger brother is possessed by the dead. SOUTH 10 8 5 A J7532 AQ The bidding: South West North East 1 Pass 44 Pass Pass Pass Opening lead: Jack off When you first inspect dummy, it might seem there is no way to fulfill your contract. Dig deeper. Some seemingly impossible contracts are almost lay-down, as this deal testifies.

The auction was routine. With little defense, but lots of offense because of the six-card spade support, North stole the enemy bidding space with a pre-emptive leap to four spades. After the opening lead of the jack of hearts, a casual glance at the North-South holding would suggest declarer cannot avoid losing three diamond tricks and the ace of trumps. But a careful study of the diamond position reveals an interesting phenomenon. Since all the top cards in the suit are missing, the defenders cannot untangle their diamond tricks unless one defender has all three high honors.

On any other distribution of the suit, the contract is almost unbeatable if trumps are 1-1 with careful technique, of course. Declarer won the opening lead in hand and, since an end-play would be needed, cashed the ace of clubs, overtook the queen with dummy's king, then ruffed the table's remaining club. With the rounded suits stripped from both the closed hand and dummy, declarer exited with a trump. All was well. In with the ace of spades, West had a safe exit in diamonds.

But after taking the ace and king in the suit, East was in trouble. On the forced club or heart return, declarer was able to ruff in hand and discard the table's remaining diamond and claim the rest of the tricks. CHESS QUIZ By Shelby Lyman www www1 SWWJ mum umu mssss fmssi sws Hi iS gfl Quiz No. 1 BLACK WINS THE QUEEN Hint: Divert the rook. Solution '9jx8 Itmh iiPI8H" Quiz No.

2 WHITE MATES IN 2 Hint: Finish with the bishop. Solution I31BUI IPH 'Z -H jipjqb I mm mM Mi a a THURSDAY CALENDAR THE HIT LIST The week's most popular videocassettes in St. Louis-area stores. Figures provided by Sight and Sound Distributors. RENTALS SALES 1.

Thelma ft Louise 1. Fantasia 2. Point Break 2. Chertitness 3. Regarding Henry 3.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves 4. Rocketeer 4. Richard Simmons: Sweatin to the Oldies 5. Terminator II 5. Parent Trap 6.

Pure Luck 6. Home Alone 7. Mobsters 7. Rescuers Down Under 8. Double Impact 8.

Old Yeller 9. Hot Shots 9. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 10. City Slickers 10. Ghost MUSIC the metal band.

$3 over age 21 $5 under 21 (544-2999) THEATER 'Close Ties': 8 p.m., St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine Blvd. Contemporary drama. $5, $4 seniors, $3 students and faculty. (658-2998) The Playboy of the Western World': 8 p.m., Lor-etto-Hilton 130 Edgar Rd.

Webster U. Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents comedy by J.M. Synge. $4, $2.75 students and seniors. (968-6928) 'A View From the Bridge': 6 p.m., Loretto-Hilton, 130 Edgar Rd.

The Rep's production of Arthur Miller's drama. student rush $5. (968-4925) 'Stories About the Old Days': 8 p.m., 23rd St. Theatre, 2240 St. Louis Ave.

Black Rep. presents Bill Harris' tale. 7.50. (534-3807) 'Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem': 8:30 p.m., Midtown Arts 3207 Washington Ave. Dramatic reading by Excaliber Productions.

$5, $4 students, senior adults, and groups of 10 or more. (454-1411) 1 jV Sister Carol: 9 p.m., Mississippi Nights, 914 N. 1st Laclede's Landing. Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin and the Hi-Life Players open. $14.

(421-3853) Ken Peplowski: 9 and 1 1 p.m., Just Jazz, 1 01 9 Pine St. Clarinetist. 2-drink minimum. (436-2355) KINGOFTHEHILL: Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m., Metal's Edge, 8658 S. Broadway.

Lexx Luthor opens for.