The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 57

1 4 Part I May 28, 1979 Cos AneUs 8tmes 1 "r-v 1- 4 i Amm Rock Star Rolls Through Russia Continued from First Pip Leningrad. It was the same train the group had ridden five days earlier from Moscow to Leningrad, but this time the mood was more relaxed. En route to Leningrad, many in the tour party had been uncertain both about upcoming audience response and about conditions facing them in the Soviet Union. Guidebooks had warned of discomforts (from the quality of food to general lack of efficiency). Decades of East-West tensions had conditioned the group for possible intrigue.

But the warmth of the audiences and the magnificence of the museums and histSrical sites had overshadowed the inconveniences as individuals discovered they were free to explore the city on their own. They didn't have to stick with a guide. "I'll always treasure this week," John said, nearing the end of his stay in Leningrad. "The city and the people were lovely. I was very touched by the way I was treated." Stuntman Sharpe Gets Canutt Award Hailed for a career that began with Douglas Fairbanks silent "Rot'n Hood" and ended last year with "Heaven Can Wait," stuntman David Sharpe was presented the Yakima Canutt Award at a National Film society-sponsored luncheon Saturday at the Universal City Studios' commissary.

The award, created specifically to honor stuntmen, originated last year, when it went to its namesake, who is best known for having been John Wayne's double. Canutt was among the 350 actors, directors, stuntmen and film buffs who filled the banquet room on Saturday. David Sharp, now 72 and partially paralyzed by ALS Gehrig sat in a wheelchair at the end of the dias and smiled broadly as fellow stuntman and actor Jock Mahoney read a list of Sharpe's varied expertises. They included juggling, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, swimming, concert-level piano playing, acting, horsemanship and combat aviation (during WW II). Sharpe's heyday spanned the late '30s and early '40s, when he stunted and acted in numerous serials and grade-B features for Republic Studios.

His acrobatic leaps and vaults helped convey the illusion of human flight in the "Captain Marvel" and "Commander Cody" serials, while in another serial, "The Perils of Nyoka," he is said to have doubled for every member of the cast, including the women. During this period, Mahoney said, "Producers were afraid to cast actors in action films unless they could be) doubled by David Sharpe." Sharpe's brief, emotional acceptance speech was the conclusion of the event, at which award plaques went to actor Don (Red) Barry, who hosted the luncheon, toast-master Pat Buttram, songwriter-actor Bob Nolan of the Sons of the Pioneers, actors Bob Steele and Bob Livingston, actress Peggy Stewart, and director George Sherman. Also in attendance were more westernlieroes, Sunset Carson, Lash LaRue and Eddie Dean. -STAN BERKOWITZ Boom, Towers at Disco Dance Taka Boom and Jesse Towers are scheduled to perform, with appearances by St Tropez, Evelyn Champagne King and the Originals, at a disco dance contest tonight at 8 at Shapius O'Brien's French Connection Discotheque, 2001 Tyler, South El Monte. Information: 444-9602.

CHEERS Elton John, second from left, manager John Reid, left, cheer at soccer match in Moscow. APLtstrphsto That was one of the topics of discussion at the British Embassy Club, where John stopped Saturday night Despite its fancy title, the club is a modest operation housed in the equivalent of a large household garage. It's just a way of showing some recent British films here and playing some Western rock music. The betting was that the Moscow reaction to John's concert wouldn't be as strong as in Leningrad. "There'll probably be even more of the 'official' guests here than there were in Leningrad," said Joy Riley, a nurse at the American Embassy.

"They won't be familiar with Western-type concerts. They're just not into spontaneous public outbursts of emotion. "When the (German-based) Boney band came here, I almost went crazy trying to get people to stand up and join in. They just looked at me and thought I was absolutely mad. If Elton is able to get the same reaction here as he did in Leningrad, I'll be amazed." photos of her son from her purse and he signed them.

At 11 p.m. John left for the modest Leningrad train station where he was met by another crowd of fans. About a hundred persons stood on the platform next to John's cial car on the 18-car train. Lowering the compartment glass, John spoke to a few of the fans, shook hands and signed autographs. He also accepted gifts: a stuffed animal, some books, a few notes.

One comment was repeated over and over: "Please come back." "I will be back," he said. "I promise." As the Leningrad anthem played over the train's sound system, the Red Arrow Express began its midnight run to Moscow, an 8Vi -hour trip. For the first half of the journey, the darkness outside made it impossible to see any of the countryside. During the second half, however, the travelers could see mile after mile of the countryside'3 lakes and trees and villages offering picture-book portraits. The small wooden houses near the tracks and the six to eight-story brick or concrete apartment houses in the distance telescoped decades of change in Soviet life style.

At the train waiting ramps, groups of older people dressed in scarves and heavy clothing seemed to typify "old country" photos. Younger people wore more modern attire. John didn't get much sleep on the train, so the first thing he did in Moscow was take a nap at the Intourist. Then he attended a soccer match and then saw a Bolshoi performance of "Swan Lake." The Bolshoi theater, with its marvelous acoustics and spectacular gold and red interior, is a stunning showcase; another example of the Soviet emphasis on museums and cultural activities. The Bolshoi audience responded warmly to the performance.

The cast was brought back for several encores. How would the Moscow audience react at John's first performance here Sunday night? Would there be the same fervor of Leningrad? 'TOMORROW AT 8 30' "ANNIE HAS IT ALL!" aihilhln KABC-TU GOOD SEATS NOW! If John was moved by the affection of Russian rock audiences, the fans themselves made the most of their first chance to see a major rock performer. The crowd started forming outside of John's Leningrad hotel at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, before the last of his four concerts in town. That was 75 minutes before he was scheduled to leave for the hall By 6:30 p.m., 200 people were waiting on the tree-lined sidewalk in front of the hotel Many of the fans held cameras; others had concert programs they hoped he'd sign; a few clutched flowers.

John's black Soviet limousine was parked against the sidewalk, the doors open, waiting for the guests. But two uniformed policemen had little success in keeping the path clear for John. The fans edged closer to the car. In the confusion, one teen-ager even slipped into the car. The hotel's elderly doorman, dressed in a faded green suit, shook his head at the confusion.

He's supposed to check incoming persons to make sure they are registered at the hotel. But no one could even get to the door because of the jam outside. When John finally walked through the door, the crowd surged forward, trapping him and his manager, John Reid. After several seconds, the policemen pulled the pair through to the car. As the cameras clicked, the car raced away.

Several fans ran alongside the car, waving through the windows. One woman in a bright print dress threw a bouquet of violets at the car. At the concert hall Thursday, John received the most enthusiastic response of the four shows. But security in the hall had been beefed up, forcing younger fans to stay in their seats rather than race down the aisles as they had done earlier in the week. After the show, several hundred fans again lined the street in back of John's dressing room waiting for a glimpse of the rock singer.

Passengers in a trolley car waited helplessly as the crowd stood on the tracks, blocking the car's path. Earlier in the week, several fans had almost been hit by John's limo in their enthusiasm to get close to the car. To guard against a repeat, police placed three large cargo trucks between the crowd and the path of John's auto. As the car sped away, the crowd pressed against the trucks trying to get a final look at John. Later, they milled around, asking crew members for souvenirs.

Few, however, could say more than a word or two in English. One teen-ager, dressed in American jeans and a plain yellow T-shirt, had planned ahead. Someone had apparently written out questions for him in English. He simply handed the notebook and a pen to one of John's party. He wanted to know: "How did you like our city?" "Why didn't Elton John bring his whole band with him." And, finally, "Is Paul McCartney coming to Leningrad?" Because John's train for Moscow didn't leave until midnight Friday, the group dined in Leningrad at Sadko, a restaurant that features traditional Russian cooking and a floor show with Russian folk music.

Like Moscow's Intour-ist Hotel, the Sadko caters almost exclusively to tourists. It's a slick, modern but sterile room that, too, could fit comfortably into Century City. As in the U.S., a rock star travels first-class in the Soviet Union. John's party was seated in a private, candlelit dining room. The menu consisted of black and red caviar, smoked salmon and a main dish teasingly titled Sturgeon a la Moscow.

Vodka, champagne and wine also were served, and some of the Russian entertainers were brought over from the next room to perform a couple of songs. Two of the Russian performers walked nervously over to John after their songs and asked a favor: Would he give them an autograph? John's mother, Sheila, pulled two FOR CALL: (213)553-8101 FOR CROUP SALES OR INFORMATION (213)553-9000 RTD LINES 4A AND 9tW GO DIRECTLY TO SHUBERT THEATER Shuberr Theater TICKETS ON SALE AT: GK3f EYPHOfif Century City rtl HflflMMHid during ZU1 IKNK IX SIMS. US IM6HIS CI 9NC7 10 mtnutm pert ontiMtct. pavilion ot tnc music center oUTWaTCfi? 1 35 N. Grand L.A.

i I Mon. -Sot. 1 :00 PM to 9:00 PM Master Charge Visa and 135 Mutual Agencies or Cal (213) 627-1248 for nearest Agency. Information (213) 972-7211 MUSIC CENTER OIKHUIIHV (HANLHIK PAVILION LOS ANGELES CIVIC LIGHT OPERA 42HO ANNUAL SEASON 7i TODAY'S CALENDAR MOVIES "BREATHLESS" (Nuart Theater, West With "Contempt" Two films by Jean-Luc Godard. "THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY" (Art Theater, Long Beach).

With "Let the Good Times Roll," and "Rock Around the Clock." Three rock'n'roll films. "THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH" (Sherman Theater, Sherman Oaks). With "Saboteur." Two thrillers by Alfred Hitchcock. "TOUT VA BIEN" (Monica Santo Monica). In French with English subtitles.

With "Mother Kusters Goes to Heaven," in German with English subtitles. DANCE "TAMBURITZAN DANCERS" (Fontona High School Auditorium, 9453 Citrus Fontana, 7:30 p.m.). Eastern European SPECIAL GUEST STAR IAN MATHEWS MAY 31. JUNE 1 2 $10508.507.50 TEG Audiiiono COVERED DANCERS Immediate Positions Available! Starting Salary $350.00 per week. 2 weeks paid vacation per year.

Non-Union Major Medical Insurance. Prerequisites: 18 Years or older 5 '8 or taller Jazz with Ballet Background Please Wear Stage Makeup. Tuesday, May 29, 1979 7 P.M. MORO-LANDIS STUDIO Studio 10960 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA Tuesday, May 29, 1979 9 P.M.

DUPREE SCHOOL OF DANCE Studio 4 8115 W. 3rd Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, May 30, 1979 7 P.M. LONG BEACH CIVIC LIGHT OPERA BLDG. Rehearsal Hall 518 E. 4th St.

Long Beach, CA 'Arts Alive in Los Angeles' UCLA Extension will offer "Arts Alive in Los Angeles," a week of music, dance, theater, museums, film and television from Aug. 12 through Aug. 17 to visitors and tourists. The $375 fee includes lodging (double occupancy) at the Biltmore Hotel, some meals, transportation and admission to various scheduled events. Information: 825-9064.

SPECIAL GUEST STAR PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE JUNE 3 $10.508.50750 Tickets available at the Greek Theatre box office, all Ticketron outlets and Charge-line: 213520-8010. For group sales: Lucille: 213464-7521. FOR INFORMATION AND CREDIT CARD CHARGE 213660-8400 "TOMORROW AT 8:30 LAST 2 WEEKS! LAST 6 AYS! ii Ja. "iCf-ICTi I CHARGE BY PHONE 213462-3104 TONIGHT AT 8:30 Ivenings at 8:30. Thurs.

and Sat. Mats. .2:00. For major credit card riione orders call (213) 972-7659 ($2 service charge). STUDENT RUSH For group I TICKETS: $3 50 hr.

before curtain with ID, tl In balcony only. call Lucille: 213464-7521. 6233 Hollywood Hollywood. CA 90028. I -J The Crib that converts to a icrer yovth bed child grows.

Includes chest mattress. '2 Win a CEuSi Universe Mississippi River cruise for two! Board the elegant Mississippi Queen for a 7-day cruise of the lower Mississippi Contest details Sunday, July 8 MIDYEAR EDITIOIJ Times Classified Ads Jy Limited Engagement Opens June 5 CHARGE BY PHONE im)972-7246 Matter Charge Visa MUSIC CENTER lino dror from we wn jcnwoofw wif man, ttrt rttrt end w-w. Mon -Thurs Fri'Sit Sat Mit LOCATIOfl 8'30Ptt vaju Mit imbu Sun Eyw -7PW MIOPM 'gly OfcWsIii 4 $17.00 $16.50 $14.00 $15.25 5Tmw 1400 ,50 13 00 9.00 10 50 775 9.00 mmw 5.00 5.75 3 7S 4.75 1 TICKITS ON tLl ATI AHMANSON THIATRI 138 No. Orand UA. Men.

-Sal. 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mid 138 Mutual AgmwiM or Call (313) 627-1248 for noaroat Asoney Info 1213) 972-7211 ICO. $425X0 AHMANSON THEATRE PnCMlncludlMS Muse Cnm Sunarg. Hpt -bfmr LOS ANGELES CIVIC LIGHT OPERA 42kd ANNUAL SEAS0N LW, 11 X-W I.