Independent Star-News from Pasadena, California • Page 40

STAR.NtWV SUHDAY, APRIL Movie Review: 'In Cold Blood 9 Robert Blake, left, and Scott Wilson police in a scene from "In Cold Film Abhorrent Cinema Statement When two guys get together and start talking things over, if -they're both near enough to being crazy, and if they are the right sort of personality combination, or the wrong sort, they might kill you in. cold blood for no reason, even if separately the idea would repel them. And then, after the authorities up with tiiem for the crime and bring them to trialf wMhe-jiiry, again acting together; might do likewise, even if separately we arc repelled by it. Executions in the United States generally are not open to the public. But one execution, at least, is public enough to make.it clear that each of us is weak enough to kill.

This execution will be witnessed by millions 6t Americans, and you may sco it in the film called "Li Cold Blood," now at the Crown Theatre. Based upon Truman Capote's documentary novel of the samn name, this Richard Brooks film is an important, if abhorrent, cinema statement. It is a low-key, carefully thought-out presentation of Capote's hook so much so that you might even say the movie itself was made in cold blood. No sides are taken. No sympathy is given.

Only blind, objective, cold-blooded justice. While I respect Brooks' intentions and feel we, the people, should be honest enough 1 to face acts. we commit and cither accept or still I have to say found the film, lacking in at least two dimensions. This is Uic story, based on fact, of the murder of the four By Dick Benke members of the Clutter family in-Holcomb, Kansas, some time ago by two young men, Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock. Smith is played by Robert Blake, Hickcock by Scott Wilson, both relative newcomers to the screen and both excellent -actors.

As one psychiatrist put It, these two men by themselves would never.have killed anyone, let alone the Clutters, under -the particular circumstances involved. But knowing how way leads onto way, pride to dare, fear to fancy, together they were quite capable just as capable, say, as a battalion of Marines, young men who'd never shoot at another human being if everyone else weren't doing it. This group action supplants conscience, substitutes a new code formulated and marie law by a society two or more. This is'one of Brooks' major premises, but how and where is it developed in the film? Certainly the beginnings of the data, some loose ends, are shown, as they wore in Capote's but we aren't given many cause-and- effect a nowhere near enough to back up the premise. This is too bad, for it seems on the surface to be a pretty premise, one which strikes close to the truth.

In the jury's parallel cold-blooded. act we see no casual examples at all. As a matter, of "fact, we only- see the-jurors oricc, when they are hearing the prosecution's summation. In our hearts we may. know the premise Is right, but Barry Goldwater lost by a landslide--we crave reasoning.

The second dimension is the film's style. Brooks has used the form cut-so often that.you begin to wonder if he never got past page one of the filmmaker's manual. A form cut is a simple splicing of film, matching two similar images from two dif- ferent scenes. One excellent form cut is seen in the film called "2001: A Space Odyssey," when a primitive bone tool thrown in the air by an ape-man becomes a similarly shaped space station revolving around the moon. Brooks' cutting, on the other hand, is overstated, even ridiculous at times.

Granted, Capote's book would indicate such cutting if film were to he true to novel in letter and rlccd, but just as putting kill- lers to death begins'to look all you see it done, also in drama technique two wronge don't make a right. The photography, that is the camera work itself and not the editing, is superb. Shot in merciful black and white, one scene particularly stays in my mind. Blake is about to go to the gallows (they hang you in Kansas). And he is confessing his general sins -and offering all sorts of psychological insight to his former parole officer.

He is standing beside a window. It is raining outside, and the water is streaming down the pane. It is dark inside, so the light from the projects shadows of water on Blake's face. He is not crying at all, on. the surface.

and Gher Splitting Up But Mot Divorcing husband and wife sing- ttg teim of Sonny popular teen-agers across country, are Splitting up. Not maritally, we hasten to console an adoring public. Just theatrically--and part tune, at that. 'Cher makes her solo television debut April 23 over the NBC network in a'something the Girls Are," billed by producer Rose as. a "very mod point'in the show comes in a with Harrison's lootalike son, Noel, who also wrote ditr ty "Let's Do an Old-Fashioned Dance," staged in a replica of tlie Harrison's London home.

This alone is real departure, according to Cher, since her usual sels feature lots of wild color and hyperactivity. And-so what about Sonny? He'll be standing in the wings, just watching. But-Cher hastens to explain: "We'll get back together cv- erv once in while, lit fact, Sonny is now writing a movie 1 Cher says. "Sailors and partake from 'a h'uge pot entitled have been wearing them for of spaghetti Sonny often whips and he'll direct ns both. We generations.

Of course, any up. expect -'to start shooting by mid-summer on locations between Hollywood and San Diego-" Taping the 'TV show, dncer Rose playfully called Cher his "super-guest-star" because she combines the Qualities ol comedienne Lucille Ball and songstress Peggy pondered that one with: "Does that mean 1 ought to dye my hair red and blonde?" Cher's raven black tresses fall as straight as silken strands to the middle oj her back, the way she has worn them ever since popularizing the style five years ago. She adopted it. as a time-saver, obviating the necessity for fancy hairdos. Another a i a style launching traced to this team are many of the flamboyant togs now so frequently seen; "There was nothing really unique about bell-bottom trou- 'I Do! I Opens at Music Center April 29 BIG SKY Iniide, wltk SkeiM, Maureen O'Hara and her new husband, Charles Blair, are giving up their homes in this country his in Connecticut, hers in Hollywood to settle per- 'mantly in the British Virgin Islands.

I remember the when Maureen was asked, on becoming an fore- American citizon, to a allegiance to Kinp; Ccorge VI. Slip said she had never owed it because she was true green Irish. As a ret of a British possession, after which "Tlie Boss." That care of Quinn through When the Russians film Maureen will have to give Life of Tolstoy," it will Hie late star was a girl of Ti. This will be a big chance from Wise's view of New York at the beginning, "West Side Story," and the Swiss Alps in "The Sound of Music." Miss Lawrence will be picked up in the film when she is 17, and taken to 40 years old. Julie is in her early thirties, but it won't be difficult to make her look half her age.

It's when they are fifty and have to appear as 20 that it's tough. While Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd Jr. own the biggest percentage of "Around the World in 80 Days," only one of the many stars in the film owns a piece of the picture Cantiflas, who has a percentage from the Spanish- speakint; countries. "The Eye of the was sometimes called (lays before the film would have been completed. Deborah Kerr replaced her and Deb must be wincing at- some of the reviews Danny Thomas caught Dorothy a i "Hello Dolly!" and signed.

her for one of his TV shows. Tttiat top glamorous star is usually drunk when he reports to the film location. What makes him think he can get away with it? I'll tell you why. Because in spite of his behavior arid several flop pictures he still receives big offers to make movies. The slogan in Hollywood seems to be once a star always no matter what.

Mary Martin and Robert Preston, two of the American theater's brightest stars, will dominate the stage of the Pa- yilion of. The Music Center for eight weeks, beginning Monday night, April 29 in the award winning musical, "IDo! I Do!" to start off the J968 on Sept. 3" season of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. The two stars who captivated Broadway audiences in tliis musical version of the hit play "The Fourposter," are a i west to head this special California company, i Carol Lawrence and Gordon MacRae take over for Miss Martin and Preston in New York. Brilliantly staged by Gower Champion, "I Do! I Do!" recounts the first 50 years of marriage beginning at the turn of the century of Agnes and Michael, played respectively by Mary Martin and Robert Preston.

Because they are the 'only two people in the cast and are on stage for the entire evening, "I Do!" will play only, evening performances, Mondays through Saturdays. All a i performances have been eliminated. Following "I Do! I Do!" the Civic Light Opera turns to pre- Hitler Berlin in "Cabaret" a fast, furious, fleshy expose of night life-just before the Nazi bully boys took over Berlin. It'opens May 21 in the Ahmanson Theatre starring Signe Hasso, Leo Fuchs and Melissa Hart. Angela Lansbury in her original role of "Mame" prances into the Pavilion of The Music Center, June 25 with a major portion of the New York cast, including Willard Waterman, Jane o.n 11, Anne Francine, Charles Braswell and Larry Lanning, a Getz, Cross and Michael Maitland.

The light opera season completes its with a new production of "Rosalinda," based on Johann Strauss' "Die with Cyril Rilchard, Jean I'enn, Hans Conricd and the Wiere Brothers heading an all star cast, sailor caught wearing bell-bottoms with our-flower designs or psychedelic patterns would have been quickly drummed out of the Navy. Today, well, I'm not so sure," she amended. To Illustrate the fast, revolutionary shift on the fashion front, Cher recalled incidents while the two were visiting New 'York "We called on friends and establishments i Greenwich Village, and nobody paid the slightest attention to us!" Only a few years ago their fashions and ideas were considered radical and outlandish. "You wouldn't believe it, but actually by today's standards, we're regardrt as un- traconserva even 'square' in some quarters." Cher feels their lasting popularity is due not only to the novelty of their strange getups--bobcat vests and bobcat upholstery in their matching convertibles--but to the fact that young America looks upon them as folks next door --or what folks next door should be like. They carry out this homey theme in their personal lives.

They make no elaborate pleas for privacy. Tney even publicize the location of their elegant pad in the San Fernando Valley, and answer the door bell, no matter who's ringing it. Tourists dropping in are sometimes asked to sit down The two have accumulated a tidy little fortune, yet no matter what course her future career takes; Cher, can. fallback on the one more of income. She says: "I've got some really wild Navy uniforms I can sell to emerging nations." 87 W.

Sierra Modr. BL, 355-7244 (Closed Monday it Tutsdiy) ACADEMY AWARD WINNER SANDY DENNIS W1TB BURTON AND TATWJB Plus "UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE" I A 21 845 E. WaihlnglKl 795-8521 PACIFIC DRIVE-INS Shaw Starts at Dusk GII-M22 TRUMAN CAPOTE'S "In Cold Blood" Color Aha "Th Britlih Train Robbery" CoEor I Blk. He. ll Rm.iud till.

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Opens CHARUON HESTON "COUNTER POINT" MounlBtn EL-2565 ACADEMY A A WINNER "Cool Hand Luke" Color "Wait Until Color Alio JAMES COBURN "President's Jl.OO PER CAR LOAD 2 ACADEMY AWARDS "Bonnie and CJjrJe" Color "Fire Creed" Color ram. as COOL HaiMD LUKE numsn 1 naa urs Kim Novak knew what she See a SllOW Tonight was doing when she injured -her back and left tJie cast of name kind of allegiance to his daughter, Queen Elizabeth, Producer Ross Hunter has his sights set on Audrey Hep- burn for "The Public Eye." It must be when Audrey feels like working again, and that will bo when her situation with Mel Ferrer is settled, for belter or worse. The film will be made'in London. Tony Quinn is ending his autobiography at the age of 21. Personally, I'm more in- Icresled in came afier 21.

Following Shoes of Oie Fisherman," Tony gncs Info "The Secret of Sanla Vittoria," then "Home Fabrc," he made on the actual locations where the great novelist lived and worked. Phyllis Oilier lives by a book titled, "The Magic of Believing." It certainly worked for her. And she believes we will have a new perspective of the wild lady after we see her performance in "The Adding Machine." Robert Wise will have a semi-documentary at the. beginning of his film, "Stari." with. Julie Andrews--showing a version Gertrude Law- renrn as a child actress when met Noel Coward Hi Ilalia Conti's dramatic school when B.O.

Daily P.M. PLEASE NOTE "POINT BLANK" Will Kot Be Shown Frl or Sat A 3-O33. HU 4.1147 10 Academy Award Nominations 2 ACADEMY AWAIDS BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS ESTEUE PAKSONS BEST CINEMATOOHAPHY Co-feature LEE MARVIN OPEN 1:00 ACADEMY AWARD I Julie' Andrews "Thoroughly Modern Millie" Plus THE BALLAD OF JOSIE" STATE 770 E. 792-7139 FIEEHRKI "A Man for Alt Seasons" AIM Ellulntrt Tijkr THE COMEDIANS" OPEN 12:15 ACADEMY AWARD WINNER Best Picture Best Actor Rod Steigrr In THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT" PRICE MOM. NOW SHOWING First Time at Popular Prices KGM A JOSEPH JANN1 PRODUCTION JULIE CHRISTIE TERENCE STAMP PETER FINCH MAN BATES See "Show Time" far Schedule SMOKING PASADENA CONT.

1 P.M. HELD OVER 4TH BIS WEEK ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE BEST ACTRESS AUDREY HEPBURN AUDREY HEPBURN "ALA ARKIN RICHARD CRENNA TECHNICOLOI PIUS ACADEMY AWARD WINNER--BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR GEORGE KENNEDY In Truman Capote IN COLD HLOOI) IN COLD BLOOD "ONEOFTHE YEAR'S 10 BEST!" 16 arias xxmtutel Of rrtdSw.g ADDED ATTRACTION "THE GREAT IRITISH TRAIN ROIIERY" 2 YEAR'S BIGGEST HIT! Astnngtrtaafl but mostly BRILLIANT TRANSFER TO FILM FOR CAMUS' GREAT NOVEL" "BEST FOREIGN FILM OF THE YEAR" NEW YORK FILM CRITICS "A TRIUMPH AND A THRILLER. Erotic scenes 'of such outright beauty, such superb subtlety. An outstanding film our.time." --Judith Criit, World Tribute ESQUIRE ante. COLORADO.

ALAIN RESNA1S' LA GUERRE 'FLORENCE ITALY' EST FlNIEl STAKX1NG YVES MONTAND Wilton osid Jf BeMtifil Color Hilt--Erfc Povtl, Nofrotor Plttl Dl 'Iflhl clabi, collstueii, foun- $.75, 1.25, 1,50, 2.00 TUSCANY: VHK4 clfv rt iMM, towcrt MirtM luirrltf.et Cirnrx. Pin, thi NAPLES, Coil and flii Bin ir.d Cult, mill hwr.l ird CIBBtmildA FRI. MAY 3 PHYLLIS CURTIN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED SOPRANO METROPOLITAN ft VilNNA STATE OPERAS 2.50 TUES A 7 3.M, 3.50, 4.00, 4.75 1:20 ITIM I PASADENA CIVIC AUDITORIUM.