Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 241

Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, March 26, 1997 Section 5 3 Tempo Blowing away a smoke screen I ear Ann Landers: I was interested in the letters from readers who want to decriminalize 1 ViL. -d MA: marijuana. How nice it would be, they said, if we would just make the wacky weed legal. People would be free of tension, and the world would be a better place. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? I am glad you didn't agree with them.

Studies show that marijuana is stronger than if A Ann Landers Tnoune pnoio oy James f. Quinn Joel Cheatwood, right, with news director Princell Hair in the WMAQ newsroom, respects the power the remote control gives viewers. Cheatwood Continued from Page 1 "I've been labeled as kind of the flash-and-glitz guy just because I think that's fun for people to talk about," Cheatwood says. "But the remote control gave people such enormous power that you have to present an aesthetic appeal. You just have to.

And the thing that people tend to ignore or forget is that that is in no way mutually exclusive to having fantastic content." Of course, it is too early in Cheatwood's Chicago tenure to judge anything but talk. The 38-year-old father of two teenage boys and husband of Neva Cheat-wood (WMAQ's new director of program development) came aboard Feb. 10 and, as he did in Boston, has waited to start making major moves. But do not interpret the slow start as timidity. What Cheatwood a proud child of the television era who makes no apologies for a newscast being a TV show has done in previous stops has made him a national celebrity among news business insiders: blown apart on-air staffs, reshaped newscasts, darkened their look and feel jolted competitors into following his lead, and delivered the bottom-line results that make station managers salivate.

He took WSVN in Miami, the Fox affiliate where he made his reputation, from third place to first in news by taking an approach to the city seemingly borrowed from "Miami Vice." At WHDH in Boston, where he took some of the tarnish off that reputation by presenting a less lurid broadcast (but still one that used a red-and-black set and employed what one critic called "a frenzy of graphics, gizmos and he moved the station from third place to first in the important 11 p.m. newscast. It helped that the Boston station switched networks, from lowly CBS to ratings leader NBC, during that time. At WMAQ, his mission is taking to first place a newscast that has been solidly, disappointingly, in second for years, behind ABC affiliate WLS-Ch. 7.

WLS news has been winning the overall viewer-ship battle in all time periods since 1986, although WMAQ is running neck-and-neck with it in some key demographic groups. This second-station status is an extra blow to corporate owner ferent from one airing during "Access Hollywood." "If you don't," he says, "it becomes, 'Blah, blah, Wasted opportunity. Cheatwood was lured to WMAQ from a vice presidency at Sunbeam Television, which owned the Boston and Miami stations, by a job whose duties also include helping develop programs for NBC and its digital-age offshoots. At WMAQ, Cheatwood says he wants a "conversational" newscast believes that "the role and the requirement is extreme localism" and wants a distinctive program. To achieve that difference, he talks about "everything from some content positioning to the aesthetics of the broadcast to simplifying your promotional messages." Some of that content sounds likely to be even more health reporting.

"The classic joke that runs around newsrooms is that health reporting is kind of like, 'Are you tired? Get some That sort of thing," Cheatwood says. "We have to do a better job at really providing pertinent information and advice for people on a daily basis. "If we are going to pursue, for example, some of the franchise elements, if we are going to pursue investigative and medical or those sorts of things, it must be very clear cut as to what the segment is all about and our intent in providing this information. Let's be very direct in what we're saying to the viewer." Peter Brown, news director at WHDH rival WBZ in Boston, says that Cheatwood is "a terrific marketer. What he brought in to Boston was a full and complete under-standing of the impact of promotion on news." But as far as news content went Brown says, "I don't think there's any vision there." Cheatwood's Boston hallmark, he said, was "a lot of stories quickly" and what are labeled "franchises" in TV news: a strong presence for health and children's beats, for instance.

But as far as what was covered or how shockingly it was covered, there was "pretty much the same stuff" on the three leading Boston stations. "I met him once," Brown says. "I think it's fascinating how he has this mythical, mystical image out there of being Darth Vader, and he's a very low-key guy." push Channel 5 past Channel 7 is the operative question. WMAQ enjoys a reputation as the thinking person's newscast, a reputation that derives more from the polish and savvy of its lead anchor team of Ron Magers and Carol Marin than from the overall depth of reporting. Although he won't tip his hand, Cheatwood does stem to acknowledge the value to the newscast of Marin, the last Chicago anchor who habitually breaks stories, and Magers.

"When you say quality and respectability, their pictures would be next to those words," he says of his lead anchor team. And he says that contrary to what happened at his previous stops, "I don't think you're going to see a lot of turnover" in on-air personnel, although there will be new faces. The first major change came last week, and it was backstage. Joanne Stern, vice president of advertising and promotion, left, leaving her staff to report to Cheatwood. Promotions, it is clear, are his baby.

It's the one topic he is willing to be most detailed about. Chicagoans, it seems, can expect a promotional onslaught Contrary to conventional practice, spots plugging upcoming news stories need to be "laser direct" in luring one show's audience to the news later on, he says. Thus a promotional spot that airs during the "Rosie O'Donnell Show" will be dif NBC because, under standard broadcasting theory, the newscasts should be able to ride the network's popular prime-time schedule to ratings victory. If his rivals are quaking in their boots, they are not doing so in public view. "If he's going to bring Miami and Boston here, he's going to bring some trouble," says Fran Preston, general manager at WLS.

"This is the best town in the world in which to have news, because it is news. It's not Hollywood." Cheatwood says he knows that, that you can't just import a formula. "Chicago has a history and tradition of just very solid television news," he says. "I think WLS has a tradition of excellence that is very much like ABC affiliate WCVB in Boston. They're just one of those stations that everybody points to and says, 'They've been No.

1 forever. Quality is the reason The problem that exists in this market is there's a meshing of the identities and a sameness that is not good for anybody. "There really isn't necessarily a ciear-cut differential that allows the viewer to say, 'I prefer Station A because Asked what he makes of his station, he says, "It has a reputation of being very qualitative, very professional, very reliable, very solid. 'Very that's probably the line I would use." How Cheatwood will attempt to -T" it used to be. Even 20 years ago, that "harmless" stuff helped transform a lovely, witty, bright-spirited teenage family friend into a manic-depressive, strung-out frightened girl who wound up not knowing who or where she was.

My ex-husband tried pot when he was 10 years old. The stuff was given to him by his 12-year-old sister, no less. I married the man 20 years after his first experience with pot, believing him when he told me he would never touch it again. I was wrong. I couldn't figure out why we never had any money, even though we both worked.

I found out the answer when I caught him sniffing cocaine in the garage. Soon after, when I discovered 15 marijuana plants growing in our yard, I left him. I knew he'd rather give me up than get rid of the stuff. Don't tell the relatives of those who were killed by someone driving under the influence of drugs that marijuana is harmless. Don't tell the teachers whose lethargic students are blowing their minds on the stuff and flunking out of school that they will give it up when the novelty wears off.

Don't tell parents crying over their dead children who threw their lives away on drugs that the dangers of pot have been exaggerated. Don't tell suicide hot-line workers that their data is wrong about most suicides being drug- and alcohol-related. Don't tell those rock stars, actors and actresses who have gone to rehab clinics to get that monkey off their backs that marijuana is harmless. It is a known fact that many who smoke pot graduate to harder stuff like cocaine, speed and LSD. My message to those who think marijuana is harmless is this: Get out from under the cloud you're in, and wake up and smell the coffee.

I know this letter is too long to print, but hearing people say we should legalize pot makes me boil, Jersey Shore, Pa. Dear J.S., Thank you for the voice of truth. I am In favor of decriminalization (decreasing penalties for possession) and medicinal use, but not legalization. I took that position years ago and have stayed with it. No 4-legged family' members Dear Ann Landers: We own a lovely estate where garden weddings and receptions are held several times a year.

Occasionally, invited guests bring along their dogs. We do not permit pets, for obvious reasons. They can cause property damage, and there is always the danger of someone being bitten. Also, they get in the way of the caterers. People become angry when we tell them they must take their dogs home no matter how small, clean or well-behaved they happen to be.

I've read articles saying many people think of their pets as children. Isn't this a bit over the top? My husband and I are animal lovers, and we have had many dogs and cats over the years, but we never have taken them to a party or a wedding. Do you haVe any suggestions on how we can get this message across? Northern California Wine Country Dear N. Whenever a catered affair is planned, post an attractive sign with some adorable little dog and cat faces at the entrance of your estate saying: So sorry. No pets allowed.

Gem of the Day: Virtues are almost always learned at your mother's knee. Vices are generally picked up at other joints. Have trouble sleeping at night and don't want to get involved in a novel? "A Collection of My Favorite Gems of the Day" is the perfect bed-stand mate. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $525 to: Collection, co Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, III.

60611-0562. '3001' covers territory both familiar and new Book review rank Poole, the astronaut killed by the mission-obsessed computer in the film "2001: A Space Odyssey," has been resurrected. 3001: The Final Odyssey By Arthur C. Clarke Del Rey, 263 pages, $25 orbit, which Clarke described in a scientific paper in 1945. He elaborates on virtual reality and demonstrates the future of a society in which biology and technology have become inextricably linked.

But space travel has become almost mundane, so "3001" lacks some of the frontier spirit found in his earlier works, which newcomers to the series might want to explore. Reviewed by Ann Bertinl AP Special Features past. Clarke uses Poole to comment on certain periods in history, notably the 20th Century. He addresses various issues, including prison inefficiency, female genital mutilation and especially religion. Indra Wallace, Poole's mentor, explains the two major schools of 31st Century religious thinking.

Poole has trouble understanding the subtle difference between the two and is surprised to learn that God's name is considered a profanity. Clarke's leap into the future allows him to explore various theoretical technologies, such as a Star City surrounding Earth. Huge cities are tethered to the Earth at the geostationary Arthur C. Clarke brings him back in his latest novel, "3001: The Final Odyssey." This is the final chapter in the "Odyssey" series, which began in 1968 when Clarke and Stanley Kubrick collaborated on the groundbreaking sci-fi film that made the HAL-9000 computer famous. Poole's corpse has made its way to the edge of the solar system, where it is rounded up by a comet-ice collector.

The resurrected Poole soon learns that his jaunt through space Chicago Tribune Online INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 4. SECTION I lasted 1,000 years. Before being allowed to tag along on space missions, Poole must adjust to an age of technology that makes his era seem archaic and even barbaric. The characters and plot of "3001" are the backdrop for Clarke's ideas about the future, the present and the For a month's worth of reviews from the Tribune's Sunday Books section, turn to Chicago Tribune Online. Use keyword TRIBUNE, then select Books from the scrolling list of sections.

Movie review "The Devil's Own" Directed by Alan J. Pakula; written by David Aaron Cohen. Vincent Patrick, Kevin Jarre: photographed by Gordon Willis; edited by Tom Rolf, Denno Virtiier; production designed by Jane Musky; music by James Homer; produced by Lawrence Gordon, Robert Coles-berry. A Columbia Pictures release; opens Wednesday. Running time; 1:47.

MPAA rating: R. Language, sensuality, nudity, violence. THE CAST Tom O'Meara Harrison Ford Frankie McGuire (a a Rory Devaney) Brad Pitt Sheila O'Meara Margaret Colin Eddie Diaz Ruben Blades Billy Burke Treat Williams Megan Doherty Natascha McElhone James Brolin set to take off on new series From Tribune News Services James Brolin, the former star of such TV series as "Marcus Welby, M.D." and "Hotel," is returning to the small screen in "Pensacola: Wings of Gold," a weekly action-adventure series set to launch in thefalL The series will revolve around a group of elite fighter pilots tj rz I VI I V- a 70 hk 'Hlk'Y V)is I 11 iiAiriv. TV notes Devil's COOTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Devaney), with his romantic aura of doom. The movie introduces us to Frankie as an 8-year-old boy plunged into a world of endless bloodshed when his father is assassinated by anti-IRA marauders in ski masks.

Years later, it's Frankie himself, now one of the IRA's most feared killers, who's wearing a ski mask and killing soldiers in the movie's best action scene, a thrillingly staged Belfast gun battle that plays like a mix of schoolboy games and bloody madness. When, after the Belfast shootout, Frankie is sent to America to purchase Stinger missiles from unscrupulous bar-owner gunrunner Billy Burke (Treat Williams), the stage is set for Frankie's confrontation with Ford's Tom. Frankie is placed in Tom's home (with Tom's wife and three daughters) by a local IRA-sympathizing judge. But, gradu-' aily, as Frankie's mission breaks down, the violence begins to invade Tom's citadel, disrupt his While we're watching it, "Devil's Own" often seems the model of a classy, reasonably IttiOTightful, big-studio action movie full of lush and exciting scenes and expert actors. And it's notdust the stars who are good, the supporting cast including Ruben Blades as Tom's cynical parjtner, Natascha McElhone (of as another of the judge's Irish guests and Williams as the malevolent arms supplier also is strong.

-Yet, for all its splendid surface, innocent man on the run, based on a long-running TV show. "Devil's Own," by contrast, has a story with more complex aspirations and potential; it's a movie that depends on relationships. Pakula who directed two of the best paranoid thrillers of the '70s, "The Parallax View" and "All the President's Men," and who made a partial return to form with the 1993 "The Pelican Brief keeps the movie clean, clear and concise. He gives it a brilliant veneer, a sharp pace, a high finish. And he's helped considerably by the imagery of "Godfather" maestro Willis.

In the end, though, it's a good thing the audience has such a liking for Ford and Pitt, who even manages a Belfast accent for the role. When an entire community becomes steeped in violence and vendetta, it takes on a quality of mad romance, fiery obsession. That's what has happened with recent movies about Ireland's political turbulence whether set in historical times, like Neil Jordan's great, underrated "Michael in recent times, such as with "In the Name of the Father" and "Every Mother's Son" (whose director, Terry George, helped coach Pitt); or in the present, as in 'Patriot Games" and "The Devil's Own." In this case, examining the Ireland of today seems to muddy the issue. "Devil's Own" isn't the "disaster" Pitt evidently thought he'd made, when he unburdened himself to Newsweek. It's a movie with many strong points, entertaining scenes, good moments.

But, like Ireland, it's also a victim of partition, politics and misunderstanding. 'J" At times, "Devil's Own" co-stars Harrison Ford (left) and Brad Pitt seem to be inhabiting different movies. trained by a tough, fearless officer (Brolin). Eyemark Entertainment, the syndication wing of CBS, has sold the program to 140 stations around the country. Eyemark will produce 22 episodes for the initial season.

The show is targeted for Saturday nights. The syndicated "Gordon Elliott" show is a goner. The can Studio action movies that go into production with half-completed scripts aren't a new phenomenon. there's a hollowness about the movie that the explosive action and classy actors can't always quite disguise. Are the high-powered stars, with their formidable charisma and huge followings, part of the problem? Ford radiates strength and some vulnerability; the solid dependability of a high-rectitude cop.

Pitt, at the top of his form, has great imagination and a charmingly volatile, absorbed presence that can make the screen blaze. At times here, though, they seem to be inhabiting different movies. The script a patchwork job with three credited writers, including original scenarist Kevin Jarre, Pakula collaborator David Aaron Cohen and Vincent Patrick Pope of Greenwich is largely about the mutual love and respect Tom and Frankie develop. But, for the most part, we have to take the friendship on faith. Beyond one brief nighttime confab and an Irish celebration where RoryFrankie dances to Gaelic numbers with tiny Annie O'Meara (Kelly Singer), the script 1 cellation notice was posted last week.

criticized the changes from Jarre's original script Apparently, "Devil's Own" was torn between Ford and Pitt, arguing over the emphasis of their characters, and director Pakula, trying to cobble together an overarching vision. Like Ireland and England and maybe America as well the three factions haven't been reconciled. Studio action movies that go into production with half-completed scripts aren't a new phenomenon. The classic example is Ford's own "The Fugitive," much of which (according to director Andrew Davis) was actually written and improvised while it was being shot. But "The Fugitive" had a sure-fire audience hook: an Sarah Aldrich, who was recently seen as Jill on "Davs of Our Lives," has been signed to "Young and Restless" as the new Victoria, replacing Heather Tom, who left the series in February.

makes little attempt to show Frankie and Tom connecting at least enough to justify the movie's feverish ocean-going male-bonding climax. Big-studio action movies sometimes have their "troubles" too. Pitt, interviewed in the Feb. 3 Newsweek, blasted this film's lack of an acceptable screenplay at the outset of shooting. He especially i "As the World Turns" has signed actor Michael Park for his daytime debut, in the newlv ere- ated role of private investigator -Jack Snyder..