Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 37

Lansing State Journal Thursday, January 24, 1 985 Children's Hour Choice movie O'Neill column SECTION Living BtStor, Trudy Wtfmt Ph. 377-1073 ovoDigeniteirEaioiniinniniil Mffit sfc, slodl iaidl5 atJoimg tlight moved into WFMK's morning timeslot amid controversy; now their station has jumped in the ratings and they've outjumped the rest of the line-up. Tom Jones, the consultant for WXLA. Eighteen months ago, his station was doing so badly in an all-news format that it didn't even show up in the ratings. Now it has a black-music format and respectability; among Lansing AM stations a relatively lowly lot it is No.

1. well, nicking rating points away from the two powerhouse top-40 stations. And WILS in particular. Its sharp plunge has suddenly ended. THAT LAST PART brought a sigh of relief from Wayne Phillips, the WILS station manager.

"What we had to do was pretty much start another radio station," Phillips By MIKE HUGHES StaffWrrtar 1 When a new ratings book comes out, it's time for celebrations and shock, for careers to soar or sputter. Now local radio people have their semi-annual Arbitron books, packed with make-or-break numbers. Some of the people with reasons to cheer include: The Harmon-and-Holliday disc jockey team. They Soft-rock stations in general. All of them did fairly See RATINGS, Pag 2D Hughes in Hollywood It's htiMto.he serious Dim CalliifoiniDDa Comedy is king If you're a struggling comic, your chance is coming.

And you're a comedy fan, things are perking up. Until recently, the only home for comedy was at the Sheraton Inn on Wednesdays. But now Connxtions has added its own Wednesday-night comics, and Slammers is giving newcomers a chance on Mondays. That last one is the idea of Dru Vinson, a 21-year-old student (Lansing Community College), orderly (Sparrow Hospital) and comedy writer (Harmon and Holliday radio show). "There's not a place in Lansing where (comics) can go to practice," he says.

Beginning at 9 p.m. on Feb. 4, there will be a contest for local comics, amateur or pro. winner gets $100 and after 10 weeks, all the winners compete for $1,000. To enter, call 393-5500 and leave your phone number for Vinson.

Local people score Here are some of local-folk-made-good notes: Jim Cash, the East Lansing scriptwriter, has a movie ready to start this spring. "Top Guns" has received an OK from Paramount and is expected to start in March, aiming for a Christmas release. The film about elite Navy fighter pilots hasn't been cast yet, but producer Don Simpson has already proclaimed it this generation's "From Here to Eternity." Such hype can be tolerated when one remembers that Simpson has already produced "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Flashdance." Cash writes in East Lansing, via a longdistance link with his California partner Jack Epps, a Michigan State University graduate. They've sold scripts to some of Hollywood's top producers, but this could be the first to hit the screen. And if you're wondering how Okemos High graduate Peter Reckell is doing in the soap operas, just walk by any magazine stand.

Reckell plays Bo Brady in "Days of Our Lives." On one local newsstand, there are six fan magazines dealing with TV or soaps; his picture was included on the covers of all six. 'Dallas' fans groan r. When Channel 47 made its massive schedule shifts this week, it left some viewers groaning. The problem is the decision to move "Dallas" from 7 p.m. to 4.

Nationally, "Dallas" reruns have been doing better at 4, right after the network soaps. But that's no comfort to people like John Loveall, who doesn't get out of work at Fisher Body until 5. "A lot of us at Fisher Body are really upset about it," Loveall says. That used to be what started your night on TV." More changes ahead There will be more changes next season for 47, but the details aren't set. The only definite deal involves adding "G.I.

Joe" cartoons five days a week next season. They might be alongside "He-Man," kicking "Scooby-Doo" into the mornings. Beyond that, the biggest plunge would come if 47 decides to take "Inday." That's a two-hour package aimed at non-network shows in the daytime. It includes a newscast and three "reality" shows in the vein of People magazine and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." Dance takes over This is the week that dancers take the spotlight. The movie "That's Dancing" may be a disappointment (see Page 3D), but it still provides some intriguing bits of history.

Meanwhile, there are new shows all over town. "Balletap U.S.A.," with Maurice Hines and Mercedes Ellington, will be at the Wharton Center at 8:15 p.m. Friday, with tickets at 355-6686. Lansing Community College's Danse Internationale will be at Dart Auditorium at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m.

Sunday; tickets are at Dart, with information on a fundraising brunch-show available at 483-1880. And tonight, Alexander Go-dunovs troupe begins a three-night run at the Detroit Music Hall; tickets are at Hudson's or at 1-313-963-7680. By MIKE HUGHES Staff Writer I've always found that a society's dreams can be measured by reading the back-page ads of the big-city TV magazines. Since I've spent most of my life in the Midwest, those dreams have usually been the same. They deal with low-priced furniture or appliances.

But when I reached California recently, I learned that this was a different world. ON THE BACK PAGE of the Los Angeles Herald's TV Weekly was a picture of a healthy-looking lady named Pamela Wood. This was an ad for the Cosmetic Surgery Center Medical Group. The group listed its medical services, beginning with "Breast Enlargement or Reduction." (During my stay in Los Angeles, I could see no indication that the latter is in vogue.) It also listed other services, from facelifts to hair transplants to "fat suction and body contouring." THE AD didn't explain which of these Woods chose, but it does have good news from her: "The change in my life has been miraculous. I became a model and was the March Penthouse Magazine's Pet of the Month.

And I've just finished my first motion picture. My career is skyrocketing." There have been 10,000 such patients in the past eight years, the ad explained, and financing is available. Maybe that's what separates the two worlds. Here, we use financing for our furniture and appliances; there, they use it for their bodies. MY SEMI-ANNUAL excursions to Hollywood help keep me in touch with such important cultural issues.

Granted, I only see part of the California world. Mostly, I'm working in the Century Plaza ($110 a night) and sleeping at the Nomad Motel ($22 a night and an opportunity to squash two cockroaches). But in between, I can peek at life among maybe-normal Califomians. Here are some random observations: Hollywood glimpse: A large Rolls Royce goes by, with a license plate reading, "HUMBL 3." Only in California, I guess, would one buy a vanity plate to proclaim his humility. The Century Plaza has a new companion known as Century Towers.

To get from one to the other, someone explained, you "walk through the connecting tunnel." But the word "tunnel" draws a certain picture. I envision long concrete walls, scrawled with semi-literate graffiti. Alas, this one has walls of marble. There are chandeliers on the ceiling and fine artwork scattered about Who can trust a place where even the tunnels are pretty? The Century Tower seems determined to out-posh the Century Plaza. Even the toilet stalls have beautifully-louvred doors.

But poshness has its price. My basic Hollywood meal chicken McNuggets, caramel sundae and large Coke at the nearby McDonald's cost with the Century Plaza room service, that will get you a cup of coffee. Hollywood glimpse II: It is a beautiful, sun-soaked day and a wealthy-looking woman is reading the newspaper. She seems to want it all ways. She is sitting by the pool, under the shade of an umbrella, wearing a large fur coat.

temperature drops, people wear the same clothes, but look extraordinarily cold. Let's go back to that cosmetic center for one more comment: Just because the folks in Hollywood are forever resculpting themselves, we can't say they're all bimbos. If you look at a childhood photo of Mario Thomas and meet her nowadays, you'll see little in common. As a kid, she looked kind of like her dad, Danny Thomas which is definitely not an enviable condition. As an adult, she's beautiful.

But underneath that manmade exterior is a mind of depth and zeal. It is always a pleasure to talk to her, to catch a fierce mind at And in her upcoming "Consenting Adults" (Feb. 4 on ABC), she proves again that she's a terrific actress. That was one of the intriguing things about this latest trip to Hollywood. Amid all that glamour, it included several genuinely fascinating people.

Sure, there are still the "Hollywood types." Henry Winkler xlaims instead of talks. Director Terrene Cooper drapes a scarf around is neck and talks accordingly. ABC President Lew Erlicht is tanned and slick and slippery. Some PBS people behave as if they were selling used cars. But this trip showed some people who are wonderfully bright and articulate.

particularly recommend Thomas, Patty Duke, Ed Asner, Burt Lancaster, Martin Sheen, Cybill Shepherd or producer Gary: Goldberg Hollywood may have manmade faces, but it still has some dynamite minds. You can add Gloria Steinem to the bright side but not to the flashy side. Steinem who was there to talk about her "A Bunny's Tale" moviei had a hairdo and brown dress that even medieval philosophers would have" proclaimed dowdy. But then, she's from New York and Sm HOLLYWOOD, Pag 60 The people in Hollywood don't seem to acknowledge the fact that there are seasons, i In the Northlands, we are told that fall and winter are times of mourning. We duck layers of brown and grey; vowing never to wear" bright colors until (or if) spring returns.

But in California, things are different. Even in January, the clothing stores and the people are ablaze with bright reds, pure whites, flashy colors. That seems to be part of a whole attitude. The average person has more hair and fewer pounds. But then again, maybe they paid for all those hair transplants and fat suctioning.

The California people also refuse to recognize the existence of cold weather. When the temperature drops around here, we throw on an extra coat or sweater. This seems like a logical habit. But in California, no one wants to distract from a well-planned outfit When the Falcon itianrs soar ddh That's Dancing' trips. Page 3D 'Choose Me' one of the best? Page 4D Avoming Attractions Director John Schlesinger has recreated that material beautifully.

The story may be all talk, but he somehow keeps it all visual and interesting. TIM HUTTON is superb as the clean-cut onei: Hutton now has the matinee-idol looks of his dad (the late Jim HUtton), plus immense acting tal MUSIC Gemini Folk duo 8 p.m. Friday in Wit liams Hall on MSU campus. $4, $3. ent." But most of all, this is a wondrous showcase for Sean Perm.

Not since Robert DeNiro's "King of Comedy" has anyone created such a total transr By MIKE HUGHES Staff Writer There's no. reason why "The Falcon and the -Snowman" which opens Friday at the Campus and Elmwood theaters should hold our interest After all, this is a real-life story. That means there's no chance to sneak in a few extra car chases or a stray spaceship. And the subject two prosperous young men who sell secrets to the Russians can get THERE'S NO WAY it should work, but it does. In the hands of a gifted director and two masterful young actors, "Falcon" grips the audience.

That's not always a benign grip, though. "Falcon" is skillful but depressing, the kind of well-made movie that sticks with you afterward. AS THE MOVIE tells it, this was one of his-" lory's oddest spy couples. What they shared was a boyhood in the best of circumstances, in an oceanside California world filled with tennis courts and swimming pools. Then one tecame a sleazy drug dealer, forever looking oyer his shoulder; the other became a clean-cut ex-seminarian, working temporarily for a company with CIA links.

That's when the.latter became appalled by CIA efforts to undermine other countries. His answer a strange one, actually was to sell that information to the Russians. DANCE formation. Penn uses the same slicked-down hair and shadv mustache that DeNiro did. But he adds th walk, the moves, the motions of a sleazebalL Most incredibly, he even comes up with a totally-different voice.

i I I Si Will (SjiiiiiPP lltl fr IJIp I 1 THE RESULT is terrific. Penn's portrayal is broad enough to be humorous, but controlled a i i za. 1 1 Square Dances Maple Twirlers are having a snowball from 8-11 p.m. Friday at St. Johns Municipal Building, St Johns.

Grand Paraders Square Dance Club for singles, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at North Street School; $2, $1.50. Swingers Square Dance Club, pie night Friday at Cumberland School; $4. Swing 'Em in Gingham, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Masonic Temple, 840 E.

Columbia in Mason; Bath Shootm' Sm COMING ATTRACTIONS, Fag 30 ciiuukii iu uc uciicvcu. rui aiuiiKaiuc ilia i eaa uovs i ana a soacea-oui suner i rasti Times at Ridgemont you'll find that this is one remarkable actor. You'll also find that this is a film worth seeing, despite all the disadvantages of real life. Tim Hutton, left, and Sean Perm make real-life work in.