The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana • Page 46

-S in the 'I Remember Nelson' f2) spotlight The noise was deafening as cannon roared from the gun. Grimy gun crews, stripped to the waist, headbands over their ears, worked with speed and efficiency readying their guns for the next onslaught. Along the central aisle between the gun crews, young boys, known as powder monkeys, dashed back and forth replenishing ammunition. A marine with a bloody wound on his arm was half-carried, half-dragged down to the surgeon's deck, invoking Involuntary shudders from the gun crews as his battered body passed. For a moment, it seemed as if you were on board Lord Nelson's flagship.

Victory. But no this was the studio where the battle of Trafalgar was being recreated for "I Remember Nelson," which debuts on Mobil Masterpiece Theatre, Sunday on PBS. The four-part series paints an Intimate portrait of Lord Nelson, Britain's greatest naval hero, played by Ken Col ley, as seen through the eyes of four people who knew him very well his wife, Fanny; the husband of his mistress, Emma Hamilton; his loyal friend, Capt. Hardy; and a lower deck gunner, William Blackie, who served at Trafalgar. One man who watched the recreated battle scene with particular fascination and an eagle eye for error was Maior J.G.D.

Elvin, R.A. (retired), the series' gun expert. He drilled the actors in the correct use of the evil-looking cannon that were used with such devastating effect in the battle of Ken Coney plays Lord Nelson, Britain's greatest naval hero, in the four-part Mobil Masterpiece Theatre, Sunday, Feb. 21 on PBS. PBS Recreates Key Naval Battle "Absolute natu- "They're terrific lads," Elvin said, rals, determined to get it right." Soccer on USA MeeeMHMBeM By Aphrodite Jones Rote Sees Rosy Future for Soccer "Cable Is the only national outlet for the Malor Indoor Soccer League at this time, and that big national Identity with cable is critical for the sport," explains former soccer superstar Kyle Rote Jr.

"in soccer's case, without cable, many of the teams in the MISL would not have their games broadcast across the country. There would only be local broadcasts." Rote, son of the ex-New York Giants football great, is now in his third year as a color commentator for USA Network's "Friday Night MISL." He is also America's first native soccer superstar. In 1973, his rookie year, Rote led the Dallas Tornados to the North American Soccer League championship with 10 goals and 10 assists. He is also a three-time winner of ABC-TV's "Superstars" competition, proving himself also as a great all-around athlete. Yet, the professional soccer player turned com mentator insists that he doesn't miss playing professional sports.

In fact, after having watched his father In sports broadcasting, the younger Rote savs he really "planned" to get into broadcasting after his career as a player had ended. "My dad, after 12 years In professional football, spent seven or eight years with NBC providing color commentary, which gave me incredible insight into the industry. Besides, I love doing color for the games on USA because, as an ex-player, it gives me a chance to keep in touch with the game." One of the few competitors of the sport to play both outdoor and indoor soccer, Rote explained that indoor soccer is ideal for TV viewing. "The game was reduced to 60 minutes, the size of the field was shortened, which has made the sport much more fast-paced, and most important, they put in a lot more American players." PAGE 20 TOWN TALK, Alexondria-Pineville, Saturday, February 20, 1 982.