Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 23

1C Getting ready for the Oscars. It's the week before the Academy Awards, so this week's What's On offers a feast for filmgoers. In addition to our cover stories, it includes: The Oscar favorites of our readers who entered the annual Oscar Derby, plus Mike Hughes' own picks. They're on Page 2D. A review of Robert Altman's new film, "Beyond Therapy," on Page 3D.

A list of nominess on Page 7D. A profile of Oscar nominee Dexter Gordon on Page 8D. And among the non-movie items is David Thomas' arts column on Page 10D. Thomas applauds a book about Michigan inns, written by an East Lansing Today Editor Thursday, March 26, 1 987 ID Lansing State Journal www www How 'bout a vote for Dexter Gordon? tell c'7k- "4lM I (iMi: If Oscar Night WHEN: The ceremony starts at 9 p.m. Monday on channels 1 2 and 4 1 THE TELECAST: Robin Williams, who added some much-needed joy last year, will be back as one of the hosts joined by Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn and movie-dom's newest favorite, Australian actor Paul Ho-gan.

TV PREVIEWS: There are three Oscar previews tonight, ranging from the respectful to the satirical; details are on Page 1 1 D. Then comes the final preview, just before the real thing: At 8 p.m. Monday on Channel 47, critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert will have their "If We Picked the Oscars" special. By MIKE HUGHES Lansing State Journal If Dexter Gordon wins an Academy Award on Monday, the reactions will be quick: Roger Ebert will be delighted. In his syndicated Oscar preview, the Chicago movie critic says-no choice could please him more.

Local Oscar Derby voters will be shocked. And Patti Peyton will be an instant Derby leader. Peyton, a 23-year-old video-store manager, holds a special distinction: Out of the 278 Derby voters this year, she's the only one predicting that Gordon's 'Round Midnight" performance will win the best-actor prize. "It was sort of a guess," she explained. "I really like William Hurt, but he won last year.

And it could go to Paul Newman, because he's old." Most Derby voters seem to feel that Newman is old enough or deserving enough to win. His "Color of Money" performance was picked on 218 entries. That made it this year's biggest vote-getter. "Platoon" was right behind, with 198. On the opposite end was poor Dexter Gordon, a veteran jazzman whose movie finally reaches the Meridian theaters Friday.

His total one vote was the lowest in the decade-long history of the Derby. And right next to him was another nominee this yean The song "Life in a Looking Glass" go ahead and hum it if you want received only two votes. But beyond those extremes, there are some tight battles. Derby voters were widely split on the supporting roles and the songs. The totals and some other Oscar details are included separately.

Meanwhile, these trends should be noted: Academy voters tend to snub mega-hits or ultra-obscure films. That makes it tough on "Top Gun" or 'Round Midnight" Voters are kind to people who've waited patiently. That gives Newman (who has never won) an edge over Hurt, trying to make it two in a row. If a movie (or a person) has two nominations in the same category, they tend to kill each other off. But in a bandwagon year, that rule can safely be tossed out; this could well be the year of a bandwagon for "Platoon" and director-writer Oliver Stone.

What Gary and Joanne Miller say is often right The Millers formerly of East Lansing and now of Owosso are the area's Oscar Derby champions. This year, they're predicting "Platoon," Newman, Marlee Mat-lin, Maggie Smith, the treacly song "Somewhere Out There," and the scripts to "Platoon" and "Children of a Lesser God." That leaves them disagreeing only on supporting actor; he picks Dennis Hopper and she picks Tom Lansing State JoumalSTEVE SPENCER Hollywood may settle an old debt to Newman And most of all, Academy voters love a dramatic story. Stone struggled for 10 years to make a movie of his Vietnam War experiences. Suddenly, he had a box-office hit and on Monday he could have Oscars for best picture, best director and best original screenplay. Hollywood loves that kind of thing.

It would love to see Newman's long-delayed victory. It would love an Oscar for Matlin, who's overcoming her hearing impairment It would love an Oscar for Hopper, who's overcoming his self-inflicted years of drugs and drink and wild excess. Then how about an Oscar for Dexter Gordon? After all, he's a veteran jazzman who had never acted and was struggling with a serious illness, while making a movie about a dying musician. Won't that win, too? Well, maybe not But it would make Roger and Patti very happy, thank you. ter a near-fatal illness and Peter Finch after a fatal one.

It loves a lump in the throat By the happiest of coincidences, Newman also has a performance worthy of the prize. His "The Color of Money" role is less flashy than some, but is filled with rich detail. Sometime close to midnight Monday, Derby voters figure, he'll get his Oscar. Earlier, Steven Spielberg oft-snubbed for his mega-hits will get an honorary one. Hollywood is like that Old debts are settled, more or less.

Somewhere in the credits-and-debits department of its psyche, however, Hollywood people were storing this away. They owed him one. Now the debt comes due. In the Oscar Derby contest see separate story local people overwhelmingly predicted Newman will get his overdue trophy. Such moves are commonplace, of course.

Hollywood honored Henry Fonda and John Wayne more for their careers than for the specific "On Golden Pond" and "True Grit." It honored Elizabeth Taylor af By MIKE HUGHES Lansing State Journal For Academy Award time, this was a familiar scene: Paul Newman had just put together a daring, Oscar-worthy performance. His role in "The Verdict," as a lawyer whose soul and spirit were crumbling, was remarkable. But this was the year of the "Gandhi" bandwagon, which meant Ben Kingsley would win the Oscar. For the sixth time, Newman would get a nomination and no prize. Mid-Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show; Illustrated Theatre arrives I 11 VL I 9 I 1 I it's at the Civic Center from 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m., ww is that they with admission at $1, with kids 13 and under free. ine iroume wim mimes, yuu ulun, tVLW The trouble with mimes, you know, Sam Donaldson Illustrated Theatre Wrestlemania sellout Hold on, Mr. Donaldson. don't say anything. So the Illustrated Theatre has conquered that Its three actors mix mime, masks and story theater.

The Chicago group has been performing for local schoolkids, during BoarsHead Theater's one-week rest from Winterfare. Now come the only public performances. "Tales of the Arabian Nights" (not the same show done for the schools) will be at 1 1 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Center For The Arts, 425 S.

Grand. Tickets are at the door or at 484-7805. Ending an 18-year stint rtn the nniot cido nf show business, there's a three nights at the Harley House lounge. Grinnell's three-piece band is being dropped after an 18-year stay. He says he'll "be feeling a little low" during the Saturday finale, but views it philosophically.

"The innkeeper is experimenting, by rotating bands. Who knows, maybe it will work." One of his fans, author Joyce Moffett disagrees. "When Bryan's there on a Saturday, you could seat twice as many people. That's how much they love his '40s music." With that in perhaps, he's been signed to perform at the ion beginnuig And now for something different a don't-go message. If you don't have tickets, don't try "Wrestlemania." "It's an absolute 561' said Basil DeVito, vice-president of marketing for the World Wrestling Federation.

"I'm just afraid we'll have people showing up Sunday, looking for tickets." The brawl 4 pm Sunday at the Silverdome will also be seen on 163 closed-circuit screens (none of them in Michigan). DeVito predicts a million folks will see it on TV and 90,000 live. Headlining the event is a bout between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant Here's your chance to bark out a question at Sam Donaldson. Maybe you can have a friend make helicopter noises in the background. Donaldson is the ABC reporter known for shouting questions to the president and for calmer moments on "This Week With David Brinkley," at 11:30 am.

Sundays on Channel 12. Hell sign copies of his book On, Mr. at Jocundry's in East Tensing, from 2-4 pjn. Tuesday. That's part of a big week for book buffs.

On Sunday, more than 50 exhibitors will be at the milestone: Bryan GrinnelL 59, is starting bis final.