The Times from San Mateo, California • Page 23

Barbara 'TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING' SAYS MOGUL Chet Atkinis IB "Mr. Guitar San Mateo--23 HOLLYWOOD "I've come to sell my fish, have this luncheon and get my name in the papers." Joseph E. Levine hasn't changed a bit from she movie salesman he started out as in Boston, 36 years ago. "I'm not a promoter. I'm an old hustler," he told us at the Beverly Hills hotel last week after a screening of "The Night Porter," an Italian production by directress Liliana Cavani, that has been acclaimed and castigated around the world.

It opens in San Francisco oh Nov. 22. "I'm doing what I haven't done in 20 years atid that's eat, live, drink and sleep with one picture at a time. "One of the mysteries in this business is why United Artists, who had distribution rights in France would allow someone else to pick it up for worldwide release when it had already made a million dollars in Paris. The technical work was sloppy, so we did a lot of work on the print.

It's a better looking film, than played in France originally. "El Figaro loved it and Paris Match hated it. Bad review that kept referring to it as sado-masochis- tic, helped the picture in attracting audiences." The tough, stocky veteran movieman was asked why, "after he'd been responsible for bringing to the screen so many entertaining films, would he associate himself with one that so distorts history." He flared up with the retort, "I'm not doing this for money. I don't know what else to do. I could be a plumber maybe but I don't want to be a plumber.

If you think I made, bought, imported, and stole 491 films during my career for money, you're wrong. I don't need money anymore. And I do a lot of good things with my money. But I guess it isn't nice to brag." Once he'd calmed down and returned to his salad, he continued, "It's not my kind of a picture. But in this business, if you only handle what you like, you won't last long.

I'm a slob about tearjerkers. Some of my old films I see on TV, I wouldn't give you two cents for." "But even after I put truthful quotes in the paper, this film wouldn't attract me to the movies." Granted, it's not everyone's idea of entertainment dealing as it does with a neurotic relationship between a Nazi SS officer and a young girl imprisoned in a concentration camp. Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling are the twosome that have been likened in their sadistic screen roles to those of "Last Tango in Paris," although I don't see the similarity. The two meet years later, long after the war. and relive their love affair with tragic results.

"I didn't have to be a genius to see that it was already a big hit in other places. What drew me to it were two terrific performances and the making of an important new director. She's writing something else now that I'll be involved with. "I call it a peoples' picture; one not hurt by bad reviews. Pauline Kael has been married four times.

If. she can't pick a husband, how can she pick a movie? "In 1916 I made five family films that even my own family wouldn't go to see. I've stood on the brink of the precipice too many times and vowed I'd never use my own money. "But six days after I retired and sold my company in June of this year, I was back in business with a contract to distribute the new Claude LaLouche film, "Happy New Year." I as 69 years old and had made a lot of money. But when the chips were down, didn't know what to do with myself or where to go.

"I just went into a bad depression." "Night Porter" will appear under the banner of El Levine Presents, which is also the title of his autobiography that will be published next year. In July, he took out a half page ad in the trade papers, jusv. as Bette Davis did, that read: "At liberty, have tux, will travel." "I'm just a poor little Jewish boy trying to make a living." Chet Atkins, whose virtuoso performatKX! of country, pop, jazz and classical music has earned aim the at "Mr. will make two Bay Area appearances on Nov. 8, at the San Jose Civic Auditorium and em PIov.

10, at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland at 8:30 p.m. Atkins, who is vice-president in charge of RCA's Nashville operations, has, himself, put out more than 48 successful albums, establishing him as one of the most musiciam in the country. He has appeared by invitation with Arthur Fiedler's a Boston Pops, the Atlanta Symphony, tie Nashville Symphony, the Memphis Symphony, and other prestigious symphony orchestras including New 9 Orleans, St. Louis, Birmingham, Seattle, Houston, Pittsburgh and'Minneapolis, Top TV shows, too, vie lor his music and his warm, dry humor. He's added his special artistry to all of these: The Ed Sullivan Show; Perry Como Special, Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, the i Dean Show, the Roger Miller Show, the Mike Douglas Show, the 1068 Grammy Special, the Dick Cavett Show, the Johnny Cash Show' and the Kraft Music Hall.

Atkins was recipient of the 1963 Grammy Award, the Playboy 3azi Poll Award in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969. And for both years, 1969 and 1970 of the annual Guitar Player Poll, he was named Most Popular Guitarist in the Country field. CHET ATKINS Famed Guitarist In Rare Concert Films on Bach to A TIGHT POSITION TO-BE IN The world of laughter becomes a "Highland Fling" when comedian Terry Head mixes bagpipes and kilts in the 1975 edition of Ice Copades, opening Nov. 19 at the Oakland Coliseum for seven per- through Nov. 24.

Norway And Jung Several film programs are slated during the next two weeks that i "Norway Land of the Vikings" on Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and "The Charm of Sweden" tn Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov.

17 at 2:30 p.m. under the auspices of the World Travelers Club of San Mateo. They meet at the Villa Hotel with Donald or Use Klipper doing the narration. The program is open to the public. "The Story of Carl Jung," three films on his light and though and made on location in Switzerland with narration by Sir Vauder Post will be shown in Cole Hall at the University of California Medical Center, Medical Science Building, Parnassus and i A San Francisco on Nov.

9 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 3,6 and 8 p.m. The films are titles: "In Search of the Soul," Dreams" and "The Mystery That Heals." 'Nutcracker' Ballet on Peninsula The Peninsula's only resident Ballet Company is once again in rehearsal for Its Christmas presentation of a i beloved "Nutcracker" ballet to be presented by the Peninsula Ballet Theatre on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Dec.

14at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec, 15 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Spangenberg Auditorium' in Palo Alto's Gunn High School. This year's production will again feature dancers Rosine Bena and Urs Frey, both formerly of the Stuttgart Ballet Company, who will perform the famous roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Harrison Concert Not Sold Out There are still tickets available for the George Shankar concerts on Nov. 6. and 7 at the Cow Palace and the two Nov. 8 shows at Oakland Coliseum. Due to tour itinerary changes and ticket demand, a fourth Bay Area show (Cow Palace, Nov.

7) has been added, but, contrary to popular belief, tickets are still available for all shows. fjjy lifr NOW SHOWING! 3 FULL LENGTH COLOR FEATURES ADULTS ONLY Vww Show Open My 01 Noon PALM THEATRE 170S Pobn Avenue Son Mateo 345-1015 (Photo Oy Nancy Frank) IF THE CROWN FITS Mrs. Aram Tootelian, costume designer of "Once Upon A Mattress" being presented at San Mateo High School beginning Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. adjusts the Queen's crown on Pamela Lloyd as Phred Jefferson, the King (left) and Jack Foster, minstrel, (far right), await their turns.

Faiiry Tale Turned Into A Magical Musical at SMHS lUHAM (INK TWO THREE G3 United Artists Plus Georgg C. Scott In "BANK SHOT" Tonight 'Pelham' 8:35 Ban 7 oo 10:20 Plus George C. Scon in "BANK gr 6:30 and I Plus George C. Scott in "BANK SHOT" Open nj 220 Weekdays at 6:45 PM i Weekends at Bach Fest At Palace Seven vocalists are slated to appear with the San Francisco Symphony during the Bach to Bach Festival to be held at the Palace of Fine Arts Nov. 6 through 21.

a i noted authority on Bach's works, will conduct the first three concerts in the series of six, Nov. Nov. 8 and Nov. 12 and also play the harpsichord in Johann Sebastian Bach's "Concerto for Harpsichord and Orchestra in Minor." The concert Nov. 12 features two Cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach, No.

30, "Freue Dich," with Barbara Hocher, soprano; Evelyn Petros, alto; William Wahman, tenor and William Metcalf, baritone. No. 34, "0 Ewiges Feuer," will also be i Evelyn Petros, alto; William Wahman, tenor, and William Metcalf, baritone. Niklaus Wyss, Summer- Fall Resident Conductor of the Orchestra, will conduct the final three concerts of the series, Nov. 15; Nov.

19, and Nov. 21, Carl Phillipp Emaijuel Bach's Magnificat will be performed Nov. 21 featuring Nina Hinson, alto; Susan von Reichenbach, soprano; Paul Henshaw, baritone and William Wahman, tenor. The San Francisco Symphony Chorus will be featured in the two Cantatas and the Magnificat as well as in two works sung a capella. Senegalese Dancers in Return Date The National Dance Company of Senegal, remembered for several previous highly successful Bay Area appearances, returns to Zel- Jerbach Auditorium on the U.C.

Berkeley campus, Nov. 6, beginning at 8 p.m. The 40 energetic members of the troupe are now in their third coast-to-cpast tour, having appeared in the U.S. for the first time in 1971. They have since presented over 300 performances in North America.

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the founding of the group, the Senegalese have prepared a new program. It includes. batteries of drummers from four different regions of Senegal i on the diak- hanke, soce, wolof and the diola, not to mention their authentic talking drum. A musical production of "Once Upon A Mattress" is in rehearsal at San Mateo High School for presentation Nov. 15, 18 at 8 p.m.; Nov.

21 and 23 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in ihe school auditorium. The Nov.

23 performance is sponsored by the San Mateo High School student body. 'Based on the fairy tale, 'The Princess And The the musical opened in New York in 1959 and was the first starring role for actress Carole Burnett. Preparations have been extensive all summer and includes a group of parents of student in the chorus, with the advice of Henry A. Use, music director, forming the Theatre Guild vrhich will be an on-going group for future works of the Performing Arts. Casting of major roles was done in May and rehearsals have continued throughout the summer.

Mrs. Aram Tootelian, a parent, is in a of a i designing and sewing cost past months. Her student assistant is Lynda Frohrnan. The orchestra includes several parents also. They include Mrs.

Bruce Cowell, Mrs. William Sharkey, Mrs. Thomas Hansen and Mrs. Mildon Medearis, violinists; Dr, Robert Berger, trumpet and Mrs. Richard Cassidy, oboe.

Production manager and orchestra director is Henry Use- of the a Son Spring is drama director and set designer; Mrs. Julia Rowell is musical director, all of the faculty staff. Don Drum, San Francisco State student teacher is stage manager. Members of the cast include Robert Brandeberry, San Mateo High School Science faculty member as the minstrel and Jack Foster of Hillsborough who will play the minstrel role on Nov. 21 only.

John Nuessmann of Foster City, Mart Logan of San Mateo are a wizard team. Pamela Lloyd of San Mateo is the Qut'en. Phred Jefferson and David Sanford, both of Foster City will alternate as the King. Also appearing onstage are Gaire Johnson, Foster City as Princess Winifred; Paul Lewis of Hillsborough as Prince Dauntless; David Nemoyten of Foster City as the Jester. Eddy Perry of San Mateo, Para Yost of Hillsborough, wpamela Smith of San Mateo, Sue Leveille of Foster City, Sharon Parker of Foster i Robert Chamberlain of San Mateo and Merilee Bezzant of Hillsborough complete the cast.

WALKING TAIL The powarfttl 'and tnie story of io tear bm up. 9:05 Open Sun. 1:45 JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST "JIMI PLAYS BERKELEY" "GRAND FUNK RAILROAD" (CARLOS San Carloi 593-8031 "MIDNIGHT MAN" 7:00 11:15 In everyone's life there's a SUMMER MON. THRU THLIRS. "Longest Yard" 7:15 "Skyjacked" BURT REYNOLDS EDDIE ALBERT in "THE LONGEST YARD" CO-FEATURE "SKYJACKED" "DR.

ZHIVA60" CALL THEATRE FOR OPEN WEEKDAYS AT: OPEN 'Belinoni lilMDIt Hurry! last 3 Days! 'THE GROOVE TUBE" 8:40 C01.UMBIA POURS Oilly At 2:00, 4:30, 7:15 And Bir? Mati Dally Til 2:10 it.25 Showt Tonight at 7:15 and 9:30 P.M Early Show Price $1.50 Till 2:30 P.M. MON. Thru FRL 8:00 "STEHrAlp HUB" hnit Donald ftlM 7:00 10,00 Jarrws Caan AOUITS ONLY! FLESH GORDON" 6:40 "WHAT DO YOU SAY TO A NAKED LADY?" 7:00 10:00 ODESSA FIL From thl MMpanM noval of tto yaw. "SOMETHING HIT the craw help ui, An aU NEW inspired by the novel, "AIRPORT" by Arthur Haitey. AIRPORT 1975 UNIVERSAL PiDURE iECHNICOlOR'PANAVISION' 'mill! 6:00.

1:00 f. 10:00 m. hq. HIT lilJPH TONIGHT 6:00, 8,20 and 10:30 P.M. BUDGET MATINEE Sot.

Only Until 3 P.M. Woltor Motthau "THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE" 8:35 --GSSfgb'C. Siff "BANK SHOT" 7:00 10:20 I ffliUlOl MUlt Andy Warhol's "FRANKENSTEIN" (X) Bsyond 1984--teyord 2001 "ZARDOZ" 7:00 10:30 MATINEES A A SUNDAY 2FineArtS; HiiltCiBtn Shown Tonight 6:30,8:30, 10:30 Bargain Mats Sat iil5PM.S1.SO -ONKMLU UWRTr Tonight "Harry" at 8:30. "UWty" a 6,30 and 10,30 P.M. 'AIRPORT 1975" (PG) "HARRY TONTO" (R) "CINDERELLA LIBERTY" 8.00 Wjktl.iv.

7 30Wkciiil Slm "BLAZING SADDLES" "WHERE DOES IT HURT?" BARGAIN MATINEES Wed. Sat. 'til 5 p.m. Bmimm Warnors "FRANKENSTEIN" 'OAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT' Adulti Only Rmmm WOODY ALLEN HIM FESTIVAL "EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX" 'HARRY TONTO" 6.30, 8,30, 10,30 DorL MENIO rm imm i nun mttiti James Coart "THE GAMBLER" 8:50 "CINDtRElU LIBERTY" 6:45 8. 10:30 "TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE' "BANK SHOT" (PQ) I WtJUIOI (tUO IMIItl REDWOOD "LEGEND OF BLOOD CASTLE" "TALES FHOM THE CTriT" "SON OF BlOB" (TO REDWOOD Walt Disney's "THE BEARS AND "THE SHAGGY DOG" (G BARGAIN MATINEES WED.

SAT. ONLY "AIRPORT 1975" 6,00, 8:00, 10.00.