Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 31

I Chicago Tribune, Friday, August 3, 1979 Section 2 13' r.lovioG Tower Ticker By Aaron Gold -4 The Muppets plant feet firmly on the big screen WHEN YOU mentioned Old Town during the 1960s, it conjured up a glamorous and quaint mecca for tourists and shoppers, filled with good restaurants, cute shops, and excellent entertainment spots. In recent years, the image of Old Town has decayed into a clutter of empty shops, buildings with "For Sale" signs, X-rated bars and bookstores, and other specialty shops out to make a fast buck. Neither image ever was 100 per cent accurate. Although Old Town may never be what it was at its peak, it is coming back. Chicago's "I Will" spirit has hit the Wells Street merchants and landowners, and a revitalized Old Town Chamber of Commerce got busy this week.

A face-lift and a major cleanup already are planned, with new sidewalks, curbs, trees, kiosks, and lampposts. (Helping to pull it all together is the Near North Association, 500 members from the river to North Avenue and Lake Shore Drive to Orleans and Sedgewick 'streets.) Many of the old Wells Street attractions remain, including Second City, the Royal London Wax Museum, the Earl of Old Town, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Crate TRIBUNE MINI-REVIEW A pig and frog Vt "THE MUPPET MOVIE" Directed by Jamee Frmtey; written by Jerry Juhl end Jim Han eon; photographed by reldore Manfcofaky; adttad by Chrta Oraanbury; muelc by Paul Williams: produced by Jka Hanaon; an Aaeocleted Film DlatrtbuMon rataaaa at neWhbortiood theatere. Ralad O. THE CAST: Yf rWhk il Tribuna Graphic aw Kanhtt. (volca)Jlm Hanaon (volee)Frer Oi Chartee Dumlng Mia Piggy.

Doe Max Pandalton a a Jt' A and Barrel, Cafe Azteca, That Steak Joynt, Philrow, Sibyl's, Piper's Alley (now becoming a neighborhood service center with post office and police department beat station), the Emporium, Davis Men's Shop, the Town Shop, and Dick and Cindy Novak's Courtyard and Fireplace Inns. These businesses and others are encouraging IT HAS BEEN a long time more than a year since I've been able to recommend a film for children that also will appeal to adults. And that's just one of many ways to praise "The Muppet Movie," which does a fairly nice job of trying to be all things to all people. Which is not an easy job. "The- Muppet Movie" has an easy-to-follow story for the little ones, and regular doses of more adult humor for those whose bedtime doesn't immediately follow the popular Muppets TV show.

The story is as simple as can be how Kermit and his troupe of entertainers first met and made it cross-country to Hollywood. It begins with a frog sitting on a log in what looks like the Okefenokee Swamp. Of course, it's Kermit, and it's great fun to see his entire body for the first time. On the TV show, we usually see him only from the chest up. (This striking shot was made by placing Jim Henson, Ker-mit's puppeteer, in a sealed tube underwater on a Hollywood soundstage.) AS KERMIT SINGS about his future, who should happen along but a Hollywood agent (Dom DeLuise) who has lost his way? It's that kind of movie, full of improbable coincidences and comedy stars in cameo roles.

The agent explains to Kermit how to get to Hollywood, and just like that, Kermit is on his way. The next scene with the world's favorite frog is even more delightful. It's a shot of Kermit, with his sticklike legs, riding a bicycle. (I don't know how that one was accomplished and I don't care if I never find out.) Kermit soon runs into Evil in the form of Doc Hopper (Charles Durning), who envisions himself as the Ray Kroc of french fried frog legs. He wants Kermit to be the spokesman for his national restaurant chain, but Kermit demurs.

Doc Hopper, however, isn't one to take "ribbit" for an answer. He will stalk Kermit all the way to California. But Kermit goes blithely on his way, attracting Hollywood dreamers like himself, beginning with a bear who thinks he's a comic. Unfortunately, no one else does. Yes, it's Foz-zie Bear.

And again we get a fresh shot something we haven't seen before of Kermit and Fozzie walking full-bodied out of a I. new shops, restaurants, and entertainment com- yAk plexes to join them. Elev- i en X-rated bars and book saloon together. The shot makes them seem almost the same size, which is ridiculous for a frog and bear, but the same could be said for Kukla and Oliver J. Dragon.

In the best puppet shows, the characters are of roughly equal size because they exist in our minds as beings of equal importance. THE POINT OF mentioning these special shots is this: "The Muppet Movie" delivers on its promise to give us more than we get for free on the TV show. The Muppets thus join such superstars as Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, and John Travolta in successfully making the transition from the small screen to the big screen. And that, too, is not easy. The high point in the film, as in the TV show, is the strained romantic relationship between Miss Piggy and Kermit.

There's no need to spoil your fun; suffice it to say that they meet at a beauty contest, and when contestant Piggy spots Kermit in the audience, it's love at first sight. (The late Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy serve as judges in the contest. Their brief shot was their last appearance on film. Muppet creator Jim Henson included the shot and dedicated the entire film to Bergen as a way of thanking him for inspiring Henson to become a puppeteer.) stores have closed. Town-houses are being constructed on Wells Street both north and south of North Avenue.

Zanje's John Denver Stars Kermit and Miss Piggy (top left) on their film journey with friends (clockwise, from top) Fozzie Bear, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, and Paul Williams. Comedian Steve Martin turns in the film's brain. It's a good thing Miss Piggy knows funniest cameo as a waiter in lederhosen who karate, misserves Kermit and Piggy a romantic dinner. That Martin's comedy also translates to "The Muppet Movie" reveals that Muppet the big screen augurs well for his forthcoming creator Henson has a deep affection for Ameri-comedy feature "The Jerk." can films. This picture revels in homages to As Kermifs journey continues, his troupe of the.r famous films and genres.

The road Impossible Dreamers grows bigger. The rock movie, the western the romantic comedy, and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem make the splashiest appearance in what turns of the summer most en out to be a genuinely entertaining rock song. In ieriaimn6 addition to battling Doc Hopper, Kermit also Gene Siskel has to fend off the fiendish Professor Krassman Gene Siskel regularly reviews the movie (Mel Brooks), who wants to fry Kermie's little scene at and 10 p.m. on Channel 2 Hews.

GET-AWAY-GUIDE GIT-AWAY-GUIDE AMUSEMENTS GET-AWAY-GUIDE GET-AWAY-GUIDE GET-AWAY-GUIDE AMUSEMENTS Don't Miss Out On Our Special XLJ (roomonl (room only) Comedy Club is a popular new draw. And being planned or about to open are: the Toy Gallery, two-level Old Town Aquarium, several quality clothing stores, and restaurants such as Ciao, Sorry Charlie's, Chef Eduar-do's, Sir Loin, Buster's, and Byrne O'Donnell's Pub. And the excellent Steppenwolf Theater Company of Highland Park hopes to raise money to move into what used to be the Aardvark Theater in Piper's Alley. PRESIDENT CARTER Is hoping that Mayor Byrne will be able to join him for lunch Friday at the White House while she's in Washington for Patricia Harris' swearing-in as secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. His two previous requests to meet went unfulfilled because of scheduling conflicts.

The mayor will be back in time to attend Friday evening's ChicagoFest ceremonies. And the mainstage performers will be 'John Prine, Muddy Waters, and most likely the Blues Brothers, John Belushi, and Dan Aykroyd. JOHN DENVER WAS a no-show last Sunday at the Experimental Aircraft Association Air Show (the nation's biggest) in Oshkosh, Wis. He was supposed to speak not sing and his father and two of his planes were there when the word came (at the last minute, of course) that he wasn't coming. The explanation given was that "a domestic problem" kept Denver from joining them.

A Rocky Mountain low, if you ask me. Richard Burton is discussing plans to reprise his King Arthur role in an American tour of "Camelot." If he does it, he'll play the Arie Crown Theater, where Rock Hudson, Imogene Coca, and Judy Kaye will open Friday in "On The Twentieth Century." Producers Bobby Fryer, Marty and Mary Lea (Johnson) Richards, and director Hal Prince will be on hand, and all of them will celebrate afterward at the Pump Room. THIN LIZZY GUITARIST Gary Moore has been fired by the group's manager and replaced with Midge Ure in time for Sunday's WLUP concert with Santana, Jour-ney, Molly Hatchet, and Eddie Money at Comiskey Park. About 57,000 tickets already have been sold Birthday greetings to Tony Bennett, Gardner Stern, Dolores Del Rio, Martin Sheen, Jay North, and John Doremus. TICKER BITS: Barbara Walters taped an Interview with Laurence Olivier that will air this fall on an ABC-TV special.

Leif Garrett will make his Chicago concert debut Friday at the Auditorium Theatre. Baseball's famous Chicken Man, Ted Giannoulas of San Diego, will appear in costume and sign autographs from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Fencl-Tufo Chevrolet in Glendale Heights. Tim Curry, famous for his Dr. Frank N.

Furter role in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," will include songs from his new "Fearless" album Saturday at the Park West. And only Sophia Loren could get away with this line: "A woman's dress should be like a barbed-wire fence serve its purpose without obstructing the view." for up to 5 people its- babysitting service available luxurious poolside rooms (when available) 1 4t an ideal family outing close to home! mm What a great way to enjoy a weekend with your family! Lots of fun for you and the kids! two swimming pools tennis courts health club casual dining in our NEW FAIRFIELD INN at reasonable prices supervised activities for children, including their When Marriott does it. they do it riaht Chicago Marriott O'Hare Kennedy Expressway, Cumberland North Exit 693-4444 own "Lollipop Lounge" (open 7 PM to 10 PM Fri.ASit.nites) Drop the kids off while the two of you enjoy dinner. i i rt Hi ulu I r-13 -n-oisKiiTitijnif'Ot Miiir.r?r; DINING OUT DINING OUT AMUSEMENTS AMUSEMENTS mm ornate wft, Rte. 31 St Charles Phone 5841770 1 Mi.

North of Rt 64 (North Ave.) Open Daily at 5 p.m. Sunday at Noon Try our delicious array of Seafoods H'ti'ie, -i, FRIDAY is pronounced Tet-ra-ze-ne SEAFOOD TETRAZZINI thell pasta baKed tn a zesty sauca witri shellfish and parmesert cheese. Served with a tossed salad or cola slaw, sourdough bread and whita wine. COMPLETE 4.50 11:30 till 2:00 p.m. Complete luncheon and dinner menu also available 943-7494.

StpU 1015 N. RUSH ST. A mitJUie iu Ffv DINiNTOUr DINING OUT such as Imported Dover Sole, Pan Fried Catfish, Alaskan King Crab I The Widely Acclaimed Peter Guerln Show TH PLflVBOV CLUB'S Legs, Lobster Thermidor, Stuffed Crab, Salmon Steak or Fishermans Platter. 4 DAYS ONLY tarti Auq. 9-10-11-12 -3 Complete Seafood Seafood SC QC Dinner from With a Special Family Show I -t.

Party Rooms Available I 1 CIIMHAV Allft 40th QDM LAST 2 DAYS! Saturday Sunday am rivi-' wi jaijyclusive Package Dinners still 9 a auailahla i -(( iti 10:30 a.m. 'til 7 p.m. Rent la IlK arts see craRj. Uk UMilrkali, tee naslc aaa Saacei, tke mo Irtt lea' aflat lata Ctatary. AMUSEMENTS AMUSEMENTS me i-amnyj Don't Miss this Soul-Stirring Tribute to the Memory of a King.

PINOCCHIO'S SHOW LOUNGE DISCO 2811 N. Central Chicago, III. For Reservation! Info. 545-6515 M1 mm ONE NITE ONLY SAT. AUGUST 4 RICK "Elvis" SAUCED0 2 BIG SHOWS 8:30 P.M.

11 P.M. Reservations: 439-5740 mm ING CHARD'S FAIRE. A RetnntToTbe Renalssaacs AUGUST CONCERT SCHEDULE OAME TIME, NEXT PHEASANT RUN CABARET Wonderful Comedy' Hit. Rt. 64, St.

Charles. 584-1454 (Chgo. 261-7943). 1 Witwm 1 Rt. 72 at Higgins Rd.

Elk Grove Village A FUNKY THINS HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM MARRIOTTS LINCOLNSHIRE THEATRE Stars Avery Schreiber The zaniest, funniest musical comedy everl Previews Aug. 8 Box Office: 634-0200. TOMIRtSirt: (lorthboyrtd: Take 1 94. call at Russell Road tnt lolloa Uk signs. MalU $5.00.

ChlMrea lam II -i 1 .00. CkrMrre aaaer rrtt. far lalanaaUaa ar greaa rates calli JIIM92SOO mi fARKIfIG AUG. 3-4 ACME THUNDER 7 BIG TWIST 8 CARTOON 9 DICK EASTMAN i 10-1 1 BLAZER 14 CAREY BELL ITS nilTH NIGHTUF vou could even LunNTi All your cocktoilt In the shouiroom before dinnee complete dinner crudites, choice of steok or fish entree. Playboy potato, and fresh vegetable.

Rll your wine with dinner, (choice of red, white or rose.) Dessert and Playboy coffee. Rnd The Showl Oil for just $15 per person (Toi and Mtvkt ctorgt not IncludtcQ RCSCRVATIONS RCOUIRCDI CRU (312) 751-8110 Not a Keyholder? Keys ovollobla on the spot Just J25 for tha first viot The Ptaybog Club of ChKocjo 919 fl. michiqQn AUG. 17-18 STARTROOPER 21 VANESSA DAVIS 22 THEATRE- 23 GURU GURU 24-25 MAOFOX 28 LONNIE BROOKS 29 SUNBLINO UON 30 THE FALCONS 31 LOIS UNE MAMA! NO, PAPA! SHADY LANE PLAYHOUSE Stars GRETCHEN EVANS Restaurant, Theatre, Shops, Marengo, III. 815-568-7218.

15 16 DOWNCHILD DIAMOND -Faircrun per Gallon- at the arie crown theatre first stop at mama batts park here free enjoy lunch or dinner transportation available to and from Mccormick place (1 min. from McComntck PI.) (Please Make Reservations) VANITIES HOWARD JOHNSONS Of PALATINE Chicagoland's Newest Theatre. Aug. 10, 11, 17 18. Unnervingly Funny by Jack Heilner.

Price $13.95 including complete dinner. 53, Palatine. Phone 359-6900 Reaaama aalloa as Kla) Miaanl'i ralre. (tasca aa IS B.M I Aarerr t.t (Igla 7.0 illagteNts.4. llmhursl Rocsforaj 9, Ckkaga 9.C niqhlaad rarm .4.4 Sctaatakwa Crystal Jolkl I O.J Special event for this weekend TUES.

is BLUESDAY WED. is LOOP night (98a-Pitcher of MILLER Beer) WEEKDAYS; 8 P.M.-2 A.M.; SATS, till Closed SUN. 5840 W. OGDEN, CICERO Call 652-1212 You Must be 21 to enter HE MAN IN 605 THEATRE BUILDING ALAN GROSS' NEW PLAY "A Great Performance" Richard Christiansen 8 P.M. Sat.

8 P.M. 10 P.M. 1225 W. Belmont, 327-5252 ST. GEORGE'S DAY A GUILD FESTIVAL To advertisa In this directory call 222-3840 112 E.

Cermak 842-7222 (Closed Saturdays).