Asbury Park Press from Asbury Park, New Jersey • Page 71

11 I i 1 till T' t''l -T 1 T-'TT TtT I I MM" 1 1 Tf "T'tl Nov. 15, 1984 Asbury Park Press ovro: Controversy surrounds 6 Silent Night Some say movie may cause irreparable harm 'Silent Night' contrived and predictable Movie Review By MARY T.WALSH Press Staff Writer Can seeing Santa Claus, that ho-ho-ho symbol of joy and good will, turned into a creature of terror in the new movie, "Silent Night, Deadly Night," now showing at area movie theaters, leave lasting effects on children? Those who object to the depiction of Santa as a crazed ax murderer say yes. "Silent Night, Deadly Night" has enraged parents, religious leaders and thpse who play Santa Claus at Christmas. Just seeing the movie's TV commercials, which have been airing in prime time, could trigger phobic reactions in some children, according to oie psychiatrist "1 think the creators of this picture are very sick," said Austin Dooley, Monroe Township, who has been a Christmas Santa for 38 years. "They're njining children's opinions of Santa Cjaus." I Thomas Dunnington, Millstone Township, also a seasonal Santa, said the movie has "defiled good old Santa Claus.

1 "That's like having the Easter Bunny go out and strangle everybody," Dunnington said. "I think it's totally unconscionable, and theater managers who show it are irresponsible and have no feelings for the holidays." I In the R-rated movie, a teenager dressed in a Santa Gaus outfit goes on killing spree, beheading people with axes, strangling a man with a string of Christmas lights and impaling a girl on the antlers of a mounted moose head. The teenager's homicidal tendencies are triggered by flashbacks to the time when he was a boy and saw his mother and father murdered by a man, also dfessed as Santa. "Children associate Santa Gaus with Mom and apple pie and all good Wings," said Irene Lamano, president of the Monmouth County PTA. Mrs.

Lamano, Union Beach, said seeing the movie or commercials could cause children irreparable harm. "When they're dealing with children, it's like putty in their hands," she said. Another council member, Jeanine Kachersky, the mother of six children, said: "It's silly that they take cigarette commercials off the television but they show bits of R-rated movies on television." "I long ago gave up hope that the movie industry would have a conscience," said Norma Coakley, Ocean County PTA president "Why can't they make money some other way?" The movie is being shown at the Music Makers Theaters in Long Branch, Freehold Township and Brick Township; at the United Artist theater in Middletown Township and at Cinema Alley I in Dover Township. "We've had no problem whatsoever. No picketing, no complaints, no phone calls, no letters," said Charles Gershon, divisional manager for Music Makers Theaters.

He said the movie is doing well and will be shown at least through Thanksgiving. No picketing has been reported at any of the other theaters. On Monday night about 200 people attended the first show at the Music Makers theater in Lakewood and 50 attended the late show. "Yuck, I thought it was disgusting," said B.J. Karrer, Long Branch.

"I wouldn't let my kids see this." "It wasn't scary, just gory," said Richard Robinson, Bradley Beach. "I don't think people should see it," said 14-year-old Robert Medina, Long Branch. "They should feel good things about Santa Gaus. I think it would scare little kids a lot." One woman brought her five-year-old son to the movie. "I don't really think he paid attention to it" she said.

"It's just a story." But Dr. Richard H. Smith, a psychiatrist who has a private practice in Tinton Falls and is consultant to several school districts, said the movie could produce phobic reactions in young children. They could have nightmares, become terrified of falling asleep or of becoming separated from their parents. Children could even regress in toilet training, Smith said.

Smith said he has treated children who were psychologically affected by television commercials about horror movies. Dr. Alvin Krass. a psychologist with offices in Shrewsbury, doesn't believe that seeing commercials will have a long-term effect on a normal child. But if a child has some hidden problems, the movie could cause those problems to surface, he said.

"Nonetheless, I don't like it" Dr. Krass said. "I think this is abhorrent to the sensibilities of the community. The profit motive here is gruesome." "That's a sad reflection on our society," said the Rev. Dr.

Herbert F. Lowe, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Asbury Park and a member of the Shore Area Council of Churches. He said he hopes the public hits the makers of "Silent Night Deadly Night," where it hurts at the box office. Billy (Robert Brian Wilson) is warned about the perils of drinking by Mr. Sims (Britt Leach).

Some theaters end film showing Montclair, which also is ending its run of the film today, has had little negative reaction, but made its decision because of the controversy, said employee Craig Zeltner. Kathleen Eberhardt, who organized the Milwaukee protest when the film opened Friday, said she grinned from ear to ear when she learned of the shortened showings. Mrs. Eberhardt who has children aged 2 and 5, initiated the protest after seeing what she called a ghoulish television commercial depicting Santa climbing into a chimney with an ax. "He knows when you've been naughty," an announcer intones ominously.

The commercial sparked angry telephone calls to television stations across the country. Some stations have refused to run the ads, while others have limited their broadcast to late-night time slots. The film, distributed by Tri-Star Pictures, is rated requiring that viewers under 17 be accompanied by parent or guardian. Tri-Star's publicity director, Shawna Reiniger, described its content as for adults not children. Jim Vacca, who organized the protest in the Bronx, called the movie an outrage.

"The film portends something extremely violent, something terroristic about Christmas. It's an intrustion against something we hold sacred," Vacca said. James Murray, district manager of the Redstone Theater chain, whose Bronx-Whitestone theater decided to stop showing the movie following Vac-ca's protest, said, "I know it's a rough picture, though I haven't seen it. I guess it was the Santa Gaus bit that turned everyone off." Among the television stations which have decided not to run commercials for the movie is WDIV in Detroit, which received numerous complaints from viewers after it appeared once. WPIX-TV in New York agreed to show the ad only after 11 p.m., said spokesman Martin Appel.

Entertainment This Week Led forget for a minute that "Silent Night, Deadly Night" portrays Santa Gaus as a murderous fiend. Let's just judge the film on its merits as a horror movie. The problem is that even if we can forget that this film defiles Jolly Old St. Nick, the movie just plan fails to scare. And it's predictable.

In one scene, two teenagers are writhing on top of a pool table in the throes of passion, while Santa, armed with an ax, is out stalking the town. Will these two teen lovers survive? Not a chance and we know it. The plot of the movie is this: As a young boy, Billy sees a murderer dressed in a Santa suit shoot his father to death and slash his mother's throat one Christmas Eve. The holiday becomes a nightmare for Billy; whenever he sees Santa, he recalls his parents' murder. By a strange and contrived twist of fate, Billy, at age 18, is forced to play Santa during the Christmas holidays.

His mental state shifts into overdrive. He has one flashback too many and begins his murderous rampage. Horror movies should make audiences squeal in delight but at one recent showing, this movie had the audience rolling with laughter. In one scene, a police officer is dispatched to the orphanage where Billy grew up. He sees a man in a red suit stalking some children and orders the man to halt.

The man doesn't so the cop shoots him dead. But the dead man is 50 years old. "Oh, my God," cries one of the nuns at the orphanage. "It's Father O'Brien! He's deaf. He couldn't hear you." We can't ignore the fact that the movie industry has reached a new low by exploiting Santa Gaus, a cherished figure of universal good will.

This movie has turned Santa into an icon of death and destruction. I wonder what movie makers have in store for us next. Maybe a killer Easter Bunny? Mary T. Walsh Cabaret Theater: Joe Piscopo, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday; 9 p.m.

Sunday; $10 and $15; $15 and $20 Saturday; Arena Lounge: Sensations, daily; Forum Lounge: Marilyn Lipton, Lori Andrews, daily; Arkansas Avenue and Boardwalk. The Clarldge Hotel And Casino Palace Theatre: "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," featuring Jaye P. Morgan and George Maharis. 8 p.m. today, 8 and 1 1 p.m.

tomorrow and Saturday. 8 p.m. Sunday (final performance); $20 dinner and show, $13.50 show only; $23 dinner and show, $16.50 show only Saturday; Bombay Bar: Sarah McLawler, George Mesterhazy, daily; Indiana Avenue and Boardwalk. Golden Nugget Opera House: Harry Belafonte, 8:30 p.m. today, 8 and 11 p.m.

tomorrow and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; $50; Kris Kristofferson, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; $20; Steve's: Lorraine Pelletier, Mondays, Joe Barone Lilyann, daily except Mondays and Fridays Billy Eckstine, daily; Elaines: Joe Barone Lilyann, Fridays and Saturdays; Boston and Pacific avenues. Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino Broadway-by-the-Bay Theatre: Eddie Rabbitt, 8 and 1 1:30 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday: 7 and 10:30 p.m.

Sunday; $17.50. $20 Saturday; 1725 Brigantine Boulevard. Harrah's Trump Plaza Trump Plaza Theatre: "Bottoms Up" revue, 8 and 1 1 p.m. today through Wednesday; $10, $15 Saturday; Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue. Resorts International Casino Superstar Theatre: Sheena Easton, 10 p.m.

tomorrow and Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday: $12.50. $20 and $25; $14.50. $25, $29.50 Saturday; Carousel Cabaret: "Heatwave" revue, 7 p.m. Mondays, 8 and 10 p.m.

Tuesdays through Sundays: Casino Royale: T.C. Trixx, Fridays and Saturdays: Rendezvous Lounge: Push, Freddie Bell, Sam Butera and the Wildest. Twofold, T.C. Trixx, Winchester Cathedral, daily; North Carolina Avenue and Boardwalk. Sands Hotel Casino Copa Room: George Carlin, 8 and 11:30 p.m.

tomorrow and Saturday; $25; Indiana Avenue and Brighton Park. Troplcana Hotel and Casino Royal Swan Ballroom: Shecky Greene, 6 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. and 11:30 shows Saturday; $33 dinner and show, $20 show only; PHD-1 Club: Various comedians, 9 and 1 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and Sundays, 9 and 11 p.m.

and 1:15 a.m. Saturdays Top of the Trop: Maggie Reed, daily; Wild Swan Lounge: Vikki Austin, today through Sunday. Johnny Moore. Limar Christian, daily; Iowa Avenue and Boardwalk. EDITOR'S NOTE: Dates and times are subject to change by the proprietors.

Deadline for this column Is 4 p.m. Tuesday. To submit Hems, call 774-7000, ext. 4526. The Associated Press Theaters in three states have decided to stop showing "Silent Night, Deadly Night," a horror movie about an ax-murderer in a Santa Gaus suit, after outraged parents protested the film and its promotional ads.

But the controversy doesn't appear to be hurting the film at the box office. It grossed $1.4 million at 398 theaters nationwide over the weekend, making the movie the eighth-biggest moneymaker. Three of the Marcus theaters in the Milwaukee area, where a parents' group has been picketing the movie, will end their runs today, after just one week, said Bruce Olson, the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Two New York City theaters also agreed to pull the movie on today after 200 residents gathered outside with signs reading, "Deck the halls with holly, not bodies." The Gairidge Triple Cinema in Raritan High School "Night of January 16," school drama club production, 8 p.m. Saturday; 419 Middle Road, Hazlet Township.

Rutgers University "Incident At Vichy," 8 p.m. today through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday (final performance); $8 general admission, $5 senior citizens, $4 students; Levin Theatre, Clinton Avenue, New Southern Regional Middle School "6 Rms Riv Vu," a Bayshore Community Players production, 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday (final performance); Route 9, Stafford Township.

Spring Lake Community House Theatre "The Philadelphia Story," Pine Tree Players production, 8:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (through Nov. 24); $5 and Third and Madison avenues, Spring Lake. AUDITIONS For the Brookdale Community College production of "A Salute to Gian-Carlo Menotti," consisting of arias and scenes from operas by the composer, at 1 p.m. Sunday at the college, Newman Springs Road, Middletown Township.

All voice types are needed for the cast, including two sopranos, a baritone and a boy soprano. For the Pentacle Theatre Company production of "Pippin," at 7:30 p.m. at Macallister Playhouse, Brook Plaza Shopping Center, West County Line and New Prospect Roads, Jackson Township. All roles are open. Candidates should prepare a song, preferably one from the show, and be prepared to dance.

For Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Clown College, at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford. Candidates must be at least 17 years old, high school graduates and available to travel. No props or costumes are required for the audition. For the Forum Theatre Group's production of "Grown Ups," from 10:30 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26 at the Forum Theatre, 314 Main Metuchen. All roles are open, and include four females and two males. Additional information is available from the theater.

For the McCarter Theatre production of "Fiddler on the Roof," from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 1., and from 1 p.m.

Dec. 2. Additional information is available from the theater. For the lead roles in the Monmouth Civic Chorus spring production of "Carousel." at 2 p.m. Sunday in Trinity Episcopal Church, 65 West Front Red Bank.

Additional information is available from Linda McCall, 1 18 Old Bridge- Matawan Road, Matawan. For prospective new members of the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, at Internationals, tomorrow and Saturday; Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. Sir Kyle's Restaurant Garden dancing Jeff Brooks One-Man Band, today and Tuesday; Reunited, tomorrow and Saturday; DJ Herbie Mobis, Wednesday; Hamilton Avenue and The Boulevard, Seaside Heights. COUNTRY Charlie's Bar Deuces Wild, tomorrow through Sunday, and Wednesday; 2105 Route 35, Ocean Township. Country By The Sea dancing Deuces Wild, tonight; Copper Cayon, tomorrow and Saturday: Steel Angel, Sunday; College Night, Tuesday; Touch of Country, Wednesday; 46 Chelsea Long Branch.

Four Winds restaurant Lon Gary, Mindy McGee, tonight, Lon Gary Band, tomorrow and Saturday; Lon Gary, Wednesday; Manasquan Circle, Wall Township. JAZZ Jason's Billy Battiston Trio, tonight; Jam Session, Monday; 1604 Street, Belmar. Posllllpo Dr. Arthur Topilow, tomorrow; Second Avenue and Main Street, Asbury Park. ROCK 'N' ROLL Patrlx Last Convertible, Mod Fun, tonight; John Eddie the Front Street Runners, tomorrow; Mad Daddy's, Sleaze Factor, Saturday; Jr.

Smoots the Disturbers. Wednesday: Throop and Handy streets. New Brunswick. ATLANTIC CITY Atlantis Casino Hotel Cabaret Theatre: The Spinners, 8 and 11:30 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday; $12.50 and $15; Playmate Lounge: Morning Star, daily except Monday, Connie Lesem, daily except Sunday, Sunnie Paxson, Peggy Sparks, daily except Tuesday: Le Club Lounge: Nite Owl, Denise Bob Bryan, daily except Tuesdays; Bob Sims, daily except Mondays, Al Stauffer, Doc Boston, Fridays and Saturdays: 2500 Boardwalk.

Billy's Park Place Casino Hotel Park Cabaret: "An Evening at La Cage," featuring impersonations of famous entertainers, 6 and 8 p.m. Sundays, 8 and 1 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 7:30. 9.30 and 11:30 p.m. Saturdays; $17.50.

$20.50 Saturdays; Billy's Pub: Freddie Empire, D'Cal, Barbara Graham, Pure Magic. St. Romain. daily; Upstairs in the Park: Elegance, featuring Sal Dupree, Fridays through Sundays; Tony Stumpo, Tuesdays through Thursdays; Park Place and Boardwalk. Caesars Boardwalk Regency 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday at Milltown Methodist Church, Church and Main streets, Milltown. Auditions are open to all musicians, professionals and serious amateurs. Violinists are especially needed. For dancers for Ringling Bros. Barnum Bailey Circus, at 10 a.m.

Tuesday at Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, high school graduates, available for travel, and have a strong backgrond in dance, preferrably in jazz, modern and ballet. Personality, appearance, weight and ability to learn routines are considerations in the audition. Preferred attire for the audition is leotards and tights. EDITOR'S NOTE: Items for On Stage must be submitted at least two weeks prior to publication date and should be addressed to On Stage Editor, Asbury Park Press, Press Plaza, Asbury Park 07712.

Phone calls will not be accepted. NIGHTLIFE POPULAR Adams Apple Bob Mower Duo, tomorrow; 701 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville. Bamboo Bar High Tension, tomorrow and Saturday; DJ Frank DeMaio, Wednesday; Boulevard Lincoln avenues, Seaside Heights. Birch Hill Night Club dancing Gee Wiz Dancers, tonight; Bystander, tomorrow; Grease Band, Saturday; Romance, Wednesday; Route 9, Old Bridge Township. Captain's Inn restaurant, dancing Anne Carrol on organ, tomorrow through Sunday: Lacey Road.

Forked River. Europa South restaurant, dancing Mario LaVera, tomorrow and Saturday; Route 35 South, Point Pleasant Beach. Good Side Cafe Strangers. tomorrow and Saturday; Snake Eyes, Wednesday; 10 E. Ocean Sea Bright.

Ground Round restaurant Brian Phalon, today; Brian Ed, tomorrow; Tom Parella, Saturday; 1215 Hooper Dover Township. Hilton Inn restaurant, dancing City Rhythm, today through Saturday; New York Force, Tuesday and Wednesday; Monmouth Street, East Windsor Township. Jessie's restaurant, dancing DJ Jeff, Wenesday and Saturday; DJ Tom, tonight; DJ Art, Belles, tomorrow; DJ Gup, Sunday; 607 Union Brielle. Leisure Lounge Spice of Life, tomorrow; Crossroads. Saturday; 400 Route 70, Lakewood.

Richie's At The Empress restaurant, dancing Mildred Kay Duo, tomorrow, Sunday and Wednesday; The Lectures Rumson Country Day School "Too Good To Be True," American Decorative Arts Lecture presented by Monmouth County Historical Association, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow; Bellevue Avenue and Ridge Road, Rumson. THEATER Club Bene "Never Too Late," 7 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show Thurdsays through Saturdays, 6 p.m.

dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Sundays (through Dec. 9); $21.50 and $23.50 dinner and show, $15 show only; Route 35, Sayreville. Crossroads "American Buffalo," 8 p.m. today through Friday, 4 and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday (final performance); $9 to $17; 330 Memorial Parkway, New Brunswick. Dam Site Dinner Theater "It's A Scream," 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show Wednesdays through Sundays (through Nov.

25); 1213 Sycamore Tinton Falls. Douglas College "The Actor's Nightmare," opens 8 p.m. today; 8 and 1 1 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday (final performance); $4 general admission, $3 students; Rutgers University Cabaret Theatre, Suydam and Nicol avenues, New Brunswick. Macallister Playhouse "The Crucible," 8 p.m.

tomorrow and Saturday (final performance); $6 and Brook Plaza Shopping Center, West County Line and New Prospect Roads, Jackson Township. McCarter Theatre "The Dawns Are Quiet Here," 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday (final performance); $7.50 to 91 University Place, Princeton.

Navesink Library "The Dining Room," Monmouth Players production, 8:40 p.m. tomorrow (sold out) and Saturday (final performance): $5 general admission, $3 students and senior citizens; Monmouth Avenue, Middletown Township. New Jersey Public Theatre "A Christmas Carol," opens tomorrow, 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays (through Dec.

22); $4 to 1 18 South Cranford. Ocean County College "Midsummer Night's Dream," 8 p.m. today through Saturday (final performance); Fine Arts Theatre, off Hooper Avenue, Dover Township. Ollvo's Dinner Theatre "Subject to Change," Harlequin Players production, 7 p.m. dinner, 9 p.m.

show tomorrow: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show Saturday (final performance); $19.75 dinner and show, $12 show only; 1072 Ocean Sea Bright. Concerts Brookdale Community College irjene Tsakiris. 8 p.m.

Saturday; $4, $5 and Performing Arts Center, Newman Springs Road, Middletown Township. Club Bene Dave Mason, 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show, 10 p.m. dinner and 11:30 p.m.

show tomorrow; $22.50 dinner and show, $15 show only; Jorma Kaukonen, 7 p.m. dinner, 9 p.m. show Wednesday; $22.50 dinner and show; $12.50 show only; Route 35, Sayreville. First Presbyterian Church The Shrewsbury Chorale, 4:30 p.m Sunday; $10 general admission, $5 students; Fellowship Hall, East River and Park aVenues, Rumson. Freehold Township High School "Return of the Golden Oldies, Vol.

featuring Larry Chance and the Earls, 8 p.m. Saturday; $10 to $14; Adeipnia Rpad, Freehold Township. Howell Civic Center David Paul, 8 p.m. tomorrow; free; Preventorium Road, Howell Township. Playhouse 22 Eroica Brass Ensemble: 3 p.m.

Sunday: free: 210 Dunhams Corner Road, East BrunswicK Township. i Princeton High School Chamber Symphony of Princeton, 3 p.m. Sunday; $8 general admission, $6 senior citizens, $2 students; 151 Moore Princeton. Toms River High School North Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra; 8 p.m. Saturday; $9 general admission, $3 students; Old Freehold Road, Toms River.

United Methodist Church "A Tribute to Herbert Howells," featuring Irene Tsakiris and James Frazier; 4 p.m. Sunday; donations collected; 247 Broad Red Bank. Waretown Plaza "Sounds of the Jersey Pines." presented by the Plnelands Cultural Society. 8 p.m. Saturdays: $2 adults.

25 cents children; Albert Hall. Route 9. Waretown. Westminster Choir College Voice recital, featuring soprano Ruth Hwang, 4:30 p.m.; Westminster Mastersingers. 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bristol Chapel; piano recital, featuring Teresa Kin, 2:30 plm. Sunday; Playhouse; voice recitals, featuring John Randlolph Enders 8 p.m. Sunday, featuring Cynthia A. Clark 7:30 p.m. Wednesday: free; Bristol Chapel.

Hamilton Avenue and Walnut Lane, Mnceton. Dance Brookdale Community College The Princeton Ballet; 8 p.m. tomorrow; $8 general admission, $7 senior citizens. $6 Brookdale students; Performing Arts Center, Newman Springs Road, Middletown Township. a' -V r..