Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 82

yr'rfr-rfry rywilgjy 'rye 2 Section 6 Chicago Tribune, Friday, December 15, 1978 'Superman is fun, but suffers from lack of unified direction Tower Ticker By Aaron Gold LOS ANGELES Downs of celebrities. Including Eva CiW 1 11 he at Drury Lane Souse in the gpring if ve can vork tings Tony Martin and Cyd Caaritse. Debbie Reynolds, David and Dani Janssea, and Richard and Anne (Turkel) Harris, oohed and aahed rver the fashions and leather goods at the new eye-popping $3.2 million Juschi boutique in Beverly Hills, Cal. (It's patterned after the shop in Judith Krantt't book, But none of them had an interesting thing to say. Only producer-writer Do ml nick Dunne, who was hav fag such a good time visiting with old friends, dropped a little bombshell: The two-hour ABC-TV film of Joyce Haber's "The Users" (he produced it) was such a ratings-grabber that he has decided to write a sequel.

Dunne has titled it "People Like Ui," and definitely wants Jaclyn Smith to reprise her role in what he premises will be an equally high-class trashy continuation. i V'. 1 i ANOTHER batch of Lois as an untight urbanite. A New York City girl. She and Reeve are a marvelously romantic couple.

He's a hunk, and she's got a nice body herself. In the '50s TV show, Lois and Clark had an antiseptic relationship. They both looked as If they were virgins. Not this time. When Lois interviews Superman on their first date, they both come on to each other.

A highlight of the film is when Superman flies her around New York. Frankly, I would have settled for the movie to have been one long flight, with crimefighting stops along the way. Instead, Lois is brought back to earth and we are, too, with a childish villain, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), supposedly "the world's brainiest criminal." The last half-hour of the film Is Superman pitted against Lex (who lives below Grand Central Station) and his clever plan to pull off the greatest real estate swindle since the Indians were conned out of Manhattan. Lex buys all of the desert land immediately east of California's San Andreas Fault. His plan is to divert an Army missile with a nuclear warhead toward the fault, thus blasting much of California into the Pacific Ocean, leaving him with ownership of the new American coastline.

Voila! Lex Springs. Luthorville. Clever, yes? But entertaining? No. Hackman is not the least bit threatening as a villain. His tone is more akin to the light-hearted bad guys on the "Batman" TV show.

His bumbling assistants (Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine) act as if they were working a kiddie birthday party. We've come to cheer Superman and to boo Lex Luthor. But Hackman's Luthor is a wet fish. The light tone could be due to the producers trying to make "Superman" both an adult and kiddie show. Again, a consistent viewpoint would have been better witness "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Even more embarrassing are the special Continued from first Weekend page until 40 minutes into the movie.

Before that, we see Superman's youth presented as a Norman Rockwell fantasy of growing up on a farm. Superbaby is adopted by Ma and Pa Kent (Phyllis Thaxter and Glenn Ford), who might as well be the head of the Joad family in "The Grapes of Wrath." Among the film's most charming moments is the instant the Kents discover they have an unusual child. The toddler lifts up an automobile, and the slight smile on his face mirrors our own sense of astonishment. That's the experience one wishes there was more of in "Superman." On his 18th birthday Gark Kent Is motivated to leave home and head north to the Arctic Circle where he establishes Ms Fortress of Solitude, receives prerecorded manhood Instructions from the spirit of his father, and at long last dons his cape and flies to Metropolis to fight for truth, justice, and the American way. And Lois Lane.

IT'S ONLY IN Metropolis that the film delivers the kind of excitement we've come to see. Yet even here we can see the meddling of too many hands. Metropolis is a confusing mix of actual New York street scenes and a cartoon New York taken from the comic books and the "Batman" TV show. The Daily Planet offers a mixture of a 1978 Rex Reed and a '30s newspaper staff, complete with editor Perry White (Jackie Cooper) and photographer Jimmy Olsen (Mark Mc-Clure), supposedly earning $40 a week. Fertunately.

and by now we're one hour into the movie, Superman does fly, catch a criminal, avert a disaster, and meet Lois Lane on the rooftop garden of her Manhattan apartment, which would rent for about $5,000 a month. (Either Lois is an heiress or she must be working a lot of overtime.) Margot Kidder, whose best performance was a double role in the shock film "Sisters," plays I VrV .1, iS ,1 stars goi logemer one night at Chasen's to kick off the premiere of "Force 10 From Navarone." The film's stars. Franco Nero, Carl Weathers, Barbara Spy Who Loved Bach, and Edward Fox, were joined by Karen Black, Tony Bill, Carol Connors, Burgess Meredith, Brenda Vac-caro, and more. Weathers Insists that "Rocky IT will be as big a hit as "Rocky" and better than all of the other boxing films due out in June, or "I'll eat my boxing gloves," he says. But it was Fox who shook up a few people at that Gene Hackman (right) as Superman's arch-enemy, Lex Luthor.

and Ned Beatty as Luthor's bumbling assistant, Otis. effects Involving an earthquake created by terrific impact of the Lois-Superman relation-Lex's missile. It is easy to spot miniatures and ship. They make "Superman" worth seeing, models. The destruction of.

Hoover Dam is and it is my understanding that "Part II" cheaper than anything in the movie "Earth- focuses mostly on their relationship as Super-quake." We expect npre professionalism from man decides to give up his cape for the woman a $40 million Christmas movie. The guess here he loves. If that's the way the sequel actually is that so much attention was paid to the flying turns out. "Superman, Part II" could be better sequences that not enough time or money was than Part I. allocated to the more routine special effects.

Gene Siskel regularly reviews the movie Having said all that, one cannot deny the scene at 5 and 10 p.m. on Channel 2 News. CIotis Leachman DININO OUT DINING OUT DINING OUT DINING OUT DINING OUT Jtisthe seasoni 1 v. i-s Choose from Award Winning entrees such as: PRIME RIB STEAltAUFtUVTlE Or any of our other tempting entrees. All prepared by international chefs from the very finest ingredients.

And indulge yourself at the most bountiful salad bar ever. with fresh fruit, garden-fresh vegetables, and everything else you'd possibly want to create an exciting salad. Enjoy all this to the relaxing music ol our strolling musicians. Dinner Reservations Suggested. phone 8360100 The New Chicago Marriott Hotel Michigan Avenue at Ohio Street party with his comments about the Duchess of Windsor.

He portrays her late husband, Edward, the Duke of Windsor, in a BBC production that the English government would prefer to sell to one of our commercial networks rather than PBS. "But there's no precedent lor that type of a sale," says Fox, "so it'll be pretty well set to air on PBS. The Duchess is raising a ruckus over the show, but it's known in England that she's not very ware of day-day events. The legal difficulties are being created by a lawyer friend of hers who's trying to get the Duchess some money out of it all." TICKER TOUTING: "Long Journey Back." ABC-TV's Friday Night Movie on Channel 7, is a pulls-no-punches story of the trauma a family endures when a daughter loses a leg and temporarily becomes a "vegetable" after her school bus is hit by a train. Cloris Leachman, Mike Connors, Stephanie Zlmbalist, and Katy Kurtzman are heartbreakingly real, as is the story.

"I Just didn't think anything awful could happen to lis," says a teary Connors at one point in the movie. "A feeling we all hold until something hits." he explained later, adding that there was a lot of crying on and off film during production. In old movie days, this would hire been given a four-hankie rating. THE CHICAGO PREMIERE of "Superman" was quite an event, even though none of the stars showed up. Comments from the benefit crowd ranged from "super," "swell," "fantastic," "I loved it," "romantic," and "thrilling." to "I'd rather watch the Saturday morning TV cartoon version." John Coleman's after party for Rush-Presbyterian-St.

Luke's Medical Center Cricket's was as lavish and exciting as any party I have attended on either coast. And the 160-pound Superman ice sculpture was truly a work of art. TICKER BITS: The "Nite life" revne that opens Friday at Pheasant Run cabaret is produced and directed by Sullivan High School graduate Peter Davis. "A Christmas Present." an original work by Tony Zito and Keithen Carter, will be presented Friday only -by Columbia College's Vocal Ensemble at the 11th Street Theater. Some 475 former South Shore Coun-'try Club members are expected to attend Friday's black-tie Christmas Ball at the Drake Hotel.

This event, oddly enough, has continued even though the club has been closed for five years. Can you believe this? Rothschild Hotel PLM in Paris has a "marine" room In which Atlantic Ocean air, compressed into tanks, is blown through seaweed that is then brought to I Paris daily from a Brittany beach. Ten minutes of these tea breezes cost $10! Aaron Gold reports on people in the news on Channel i's Saturday 10 p.m. news and again on "Night Beat" following the movie. coujust can't beat the ground Jcound.

HOLIDAY FEASTING atfrr Seapraufer3tfo Over a pound of our delicious Fried Shrimp Pieces with Steak Fries (7 an International Restaurant A family day created through tradition to be enjoyed by all. Indulge in a mouthwatering feast that puts before you the juiciest of turkey or perhaps succulent roast duck, two of 9 exquisite entrees. another holiday favorite, baked Virginia ham. You can begin with appetizers from marinated herring or refreshing jumbo shrimp and follow it with a cool crisp tossed salad. After your entree a detectible piece of minced meat, pumpkin or possibly chocolate whipped cream pie.

The choice is yours, the variety is endless and it's the Seven Eagles personal touch that will make this day a memorable one. 'Certain entrees J2.00 leu for children under 12. Chicagolands Most Complete NEW YEARS EVE PACKAGE PLAN Make your reservations early 1050 E. Oakton, Des Plaines 299-0011 Cole Slaw and Cocktail bauce All served on a platter fit for a King and Queen Seascape Golden Fried Shrimp Pieces and Flounder Served with Steak Fries 1 0 jt and creamy Cole Slaw Shrimply Shrimp Golden Fried Shrimp Pieces $25 Std with Steak Fries 9 Cole Slaw and Cocktail Sauce ghrimp'n teak Tasty Fried Shrimp Pieces plus a 4 02. Steak A Served with Cole Slaw vJVO Steak Fries and Texas Toast FRESH 95 PER COUPLE $69 Celebrate New Yearjs.

Eve with us at ONLY NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 5 to 10 PH Open 7 Days A Week Celebrate New WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER $Q95 Served with corn on the cob or Boccaccio's pasta with red sauce Served every night after 5 P.M. thru December 3011) (Closed Sundays) GRAND PLAZA HOTEL Year's Eve at Includes: An elegant dinner for two with an entree selection of Roast Prime Rib ol Beef, Filet Mignon, Steak Lobster and many others plus our giant soup salad bar A gala party in the main ballroom trom 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. complete with A CUI I fnilDOCOTCAl LOBSTER DINNER tf. WITH WINE OR CHAM- PAGNE.

UNLIMITED Shrimp Jorghrimps mmw COCKTAILS. TWO LIVE (ft; HESTTAURANrTl toy aj BANDS, DANCING FAVORS. TAXES AND TIP INCLUDED! Favors and noisemakers All the cocktails you can drink Top name dance band "All night long" Champagne at Midnight All taxes and gratuities are included. Plus For an additional $1 8.00 you get a Oeluxe Guesl Room lor two peraona. Check in at Noon New Yeara Eve Check-out at i p.m.

New Year a Day. (Thau 2 days and 1 night) The celebration starts at P.M. With Dinner Choice of Red Snapper, Swordfish, ,00 (Kids 12 years and under) A smaller sized portion of Fried Shrimp Pieces and Steak Fries Served on a bun with a Soft Drink lOy COME TO OUR CHWSTMAS PARTY '30 or Sirloin Steak, our fantastic Salad Bar, 1 Cocktail and a champagne toast to wei' come the New Year in bJpa Eric (it Michigan Avtnm) Favors and Dancing on the DECEMBER 19 20 TONY SMITH HIS CARIBBEAN SHOW Call For New Year's Eve Reservations CALL TODAY-RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED STEAK LOBS I EH UlNNtM AAlth Win nr rhifflnimu) (WKTAItfi PVTRA WHERE THE GOOD TIMES ARE FOllVDi tMViSX- 1st tioor. SCHOO Pr couple Oil Includes tax (Gratuity extra) For Reservations Call Pal Sear 337-2020 Holiday Inn Holiday Inn West Elk Grove SPECIAL STAY OVER PLAN For tn iddlllonal $25.00 pv couple you may stay overnight Holiday Inn O'Hare 3B01 N. Maw.se Serf Park, 11 with taw crtWiK-out on January 1000S.BusseRd.

UX'iVa-en Wse mm RESERVATIONS CALL 297-2100 Hometown, Hoffmiri Estates, Norridg, Oakbrcok Terract, Morton Grove, Otympla Fields, Downers Grove, Ds Plaints, Glenview, Melrose Park, 500 N. LA SALLE ,6465 N. Mannheim Rd. Chlcago-O'Hare 678-0670 681-3100 437-6010 tlmhurst, Uncolnwood, Wilmette, and Rocktord Dine Dance With Us! DIONYSOS Restaurant Guys i dolls MARRIOTTS LINCOLNSHIRE RESORT Starring KEN BERRY. Oinner combination available.

Box Office: 634-0200 Nirwr HEUAKT RUN CUARH Bright Musical Revue. Rt. 64, St. Charles, 584-1454. (ChflO.

261-7943.) 11th ANNUAL GALA Rte.31-SL Charles Phone 584-1770 1 North of Rt. 64 (North Ave.) (teen Daily it 5 o. m. Sunday at Noon PflKFfflt wEmmmnm NICK KAlTSAS ORCH 4 BELLY DANCERS (featuring Complete all Inclusive dinners of prime BOUZOUKI MUSIC GREEK FOLK C' CHATEAU LOUISE RESORT THEATRE Dinner Theatre combination available. Last days.

One mile N. of N.W. Tollway at Rt. 31. Dundee, III.

(Call GAslight 6-B000) POWERS LAKE. WIS Hd SEX PLEASE WEE BRITISH COUNW ClUl THEATRE Wed. thru Sun. Dinner Theatre $11. Sunday Brunch A Matinee $9.50.

Theatre 700 W. Rand Prospect. 398-3370. NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY )) 7 COUKSI DtNNEt filet mlgnon, Flaming BhianKaeoo, r-nme no ol Beef or succulent Bar-Beque Ribs plus more, with your choice ol 2 cocktails before1 dlnner. a alass of vintage wine rj Cfi tN" Lk Northwest Sides Most Distinguished Restmnti HOLIDAY HAPPINESS! Party Planning For Christmas and New Year's Evt are just around the corner make your reservations early and avoid the rush Inquire Today about our "GALA New Year's Eve Party" PRIME RIB DINNER OPEN BAR Dancing to Two Fabulous Orchestras and also Entertainment at Our Piano Bar 10.00 P.M.

to Closing Folk Daxar -(312) 686-61 GD' THRU with dinner and 1 after dinner drink all this for the great price of NY. All DUNKS FAVOtS HUH wm mmm TRAVEL LKSHT THEATRE JAN. 7th 85 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA $2 Td advertise In this directory call 222-3840 1225 W. Belmont. ThurS Sun.

Eves. 281-6060. '35 per senon fry 'i 1 TuthriiThurt 75 f. NOV. 25 THRU DEC.

23 (Ocsed Mondavs except Dec. 18) 9:30 A.M. SEATING Reservations Required J65M 'Complimentary Saganakl and a glass of Wine with dinner. Open 7 Da ye No Cover No Mia Raaeonably Priced Menu HOLIDAY PRIVATE PARTY FACILITIES FROM 25 to 250 GUESTS. Double decker bus aervtce available Reserve Now For Our Gala New Year a Celebration RESV.

648-9800 310 S. HALSTEO ST. Free Parking peoid in your basement or. Tax and Tip Included! urns FT UUMOM coup BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW attic? See Anita Gold's Antiques column very Sunday in the Chicago Tribune. for tttsmrlwat Call 788-9066 or 788-5324 3333 S.

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