New Pittsburgh Courier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 13

1 MM lillllii irmm jimiiin 11.,. .,.,0. SIOl'X ME' Diahann Carroll, as Julia, Is playing Indian with her son in the episode, 'Sioux Me, Don't Woo Me" on the NBC TV Network's series Tuesday, June 16 (in color, 8:30 to 9 p.m. EDT). Show is a repeat.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. It is rumored that whatever Lola Wants, Lola gets. Whether Lola Falana want ed the role of Emma Jones in the Columbia Pictures, William Wyler production of "The Liberation of L. Jones" is of little or no impor tance. That she accepted it is of prime importance in an era of increasing black awareness, and the current bid for social justice and change in this country today.

The ordinary review of any work of art, does not ordinari ly call for social comment, but since the film itself is projected as a form of social comment any review concern ing snoum comment on what the film is attempting to say. Nothing connected with this two hour debaucle fullfills the promise of the initial theme of the film which has been heralded as an attempt to portray the sinister, gripping, overpowering strength of deep seated racism which motivate so called respectable whites to succumb to the inevitable in their moments of truths. Attempts to enlighten, edu cate, and inform, become bog ged down the rhetorical nonsense of a seemingly con trived situation, never justifi ed, through out the film, which leaves the viewer wondering if anyone Involved is at all serious. Is Columbia Pictures serious when they ask us to believe that even in these dark ages of 1969, any black man of any character, anywhere, would allow any white trash to enter any mansion this crippling system has permitted him to obtain, and do hanky panky with his lovely but dira writted with his lovely but dim witted Not Hardly! Although the story is reput ed to have unfolded in a south ern town way back in the early SO's people drive around in 1969 Cadillacs in the film. Could they seriously ask us to consider this a possibili ty? Not Hardly! Were irling Stilliphant and Jesse Hill Ford serious when they failed to explain in the screenplay what would motivate the wife of a rich respectable, black man to prefer the affections of a pen nypoor ude, uneducated stereotyped, bigot, for no reason, other than the pig mentation of his skin? Not Hardly! Finally if we are to seriously accept the title of the film the only message that rings loud and clear is that the ulti mate liberation of a black man today is execution.

This is the fate of poor L. B. J. when about deep into the intriguing yarn he decides he's had enough. He's liberated, white folks style, and if one can seriously confuse death with the type of freedom blacks speak of today the ends do eventually justify the means, because the hero is vindicated by th perverbial young militant black of the day who tosses the villians buddy into a wheat thrashing machine.

Meanwhile the lawyer who to obtain a divorce from him realizes that times are not changing as swiftly as some would have us believe, because before the show is over he finds that in deffidence to his professional creed he has not been representing his client at all, but the named correspon dent in the case, his clients white lover. His beloved nephew, who had come to town in the first reel to observe his uncle, and perchance incorporate many of his professional critiques in his chosen legal career, leaves in the last reel, quite dis solusioned, but not before making the startling revelation that, "The South really hasn't changed at all." Roscoe Lee Browne, the his worshipful protege do un deserved justice to unjustified roles. da iM fi NEW YORK On the eve ning of May 18, William Greaves received the National Academy Television's controversial screen Emmy Award for "Black Journal," National Educational Television's controversial scree magazine series. A few days before, on May 15, he won the American Film Festival's Blue Ribbon Award for his film, "In The Company of Men," which has taken four other major festival awards in less than a year. The other awards given "In The Company of Men" were: First Place Prizes in the San Francisco and the Chicago International Film Competitions; The Silver Medal at the Inter national Film TV Festival of New York; and Second Prize in its category at the Job Film Fair Competition, 1969 Early last week, the National Newspaper Publishers Associa tion chose Greaves as recipient of the 1970 Russwurm Award for excellence in television Greaves was also presented a citation for nomination of an Emmy last year for his co production and direction of a 90 minute documentary special for NET, "Still A Brother' Inside the Negro Middle Class, As executive producer of "Black Journal" Greaves also received the National Association of Television and Radio strong, if incredible white whoiAnnAounceis' "Golden Tv Award eventually comes to grips August 19b9 his bigotry.

Greaves, who grew up in Anthony Zefbe is convincing' Harlem, had a full career as as the but xinfortunate ian actor in the theater as well ly we will have to wait until as in motion pictures. He was her next outing to see what featured in Louis Derocnmont lovely Lola can do besides take her clothes off. The salvation of the Liberation of L. B. Jones is the fact from a real life situation, proving once again, and possibly better than ever before, that truth is far stranger than fiction.

COMMENT: A Grimm black fairy tale. motion picture success, "Lost Boundaries," with Mel Ferrer, and later acted a leading role in the Broadway hit. "Lost In that it was reportedly adapted The Stars. Unable to crack the dis criminatory policies of the film and TV industries and their unions in the early 50's he went to the National Film Board of Canada. He worked as assistant editor, chief editor, 111 lllpiiillllliili 'ssdm aiiiitiiSBtal READY FOR ACTION Director Jerry Paris sets co stars Jacqueline Bisset and Jim Brown for scene daring production of National General's "The Grasshopper." The contemporary drama, which also stars Joseph Cotton and Corbett Monica, was pro duced by Jerry Belson and Garry Marshall.

During a recent Television appearance. Miss Bisset spoke very highly of Jim Brown, whom she described as one of the most interesting men that she has appeared in a film with. liif 1 NPiPi BETWEEN SCEXES Diane Sands (right) chats with Mrs. Acqueline Sullivan, manager of the San Francisco office, D. Parke Gibson Associates.

Co starring in the M.J. Frankovich production, "Doctors' Wives," for Columbia release, Miss Sands made her motion picture debut in Hollywood on the same sound stage where she is now working in "A Raisin In The Sun," with Sidney Poitier also a Columbia Pictures release. In "Doctors Wives," Diana plays the head nurse of a modern hospital. She shares acting honors with Dyan Cannon, Richard Crenna, Gene Hackman, Carroli O'Connor, Rachel Roberts, Janice Rule, Ralph Bellamy, Scott Brady and others. Jazz Festival In Pittsburgh On June 21 rliTSBURGH.

Pa Thp Civic Arena will "rwk" nm iunaay, June 21. That is the date set for the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, and some of the greats of jazz are set to the night's entertainment. With such stellar artists as Miles Davis, Ramsey Lewis Joe Williams and the big band of Toad Jones and Mel Lewis as headhners, several local musicians have been lined up to add to the musical festivities, Local musicians on tap are Walt Harper, Frank Cunimondo and Eric Kloss. Kloss is the blind saxophone sensation that brought down the house when he appeared at the first festival here a few years ago. Walt Harper is serving as director besides being listed to appear on program with his famed quintet.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio has played Pitstburgh every spring for the last three years and on each occasion has performed before sell out houses. He is al so a big favorite with festival fans here, as is the great Joe Williams who sings blues and ballads with equal ability. This will make Miles' first jazz festival in Pittsburgh and his many fans are anxiously awaiting his appearance. A legend in his own time, Miles has a marked influence on most JUNE 6, 1970 THE NEW COURIER Page 1 WITH1N ONE WEEK 'Bit By Black Film Maker Wins HAZEL GMLAHDn WHEN CHUCK STONE announced his resignation from the NBC TV "TODAY SHOW" last Tuesday morning, I was completely stunned for a moment. Later as I thought about the matter I came to the conclusion that some of the rumors which had come to me recently concerning Chuck's appearances on the show, must be in reality a fact.

Somebody or someone in particular had to be at the bottom of things to cause Chuck to resign. ALTHOUGH CHUCK was not a regular member of the "TODAY" staff, he had for the past year or so been a frequent guest on the early morning show, serving as a spokesman for black people. His commentary was biting at times, fiery and deliberate, but always fair) I considered his appraisal of the current black mood which has swept this country to be accurate and just. BUT JUST THE week before the resignation was announced, I had heard that Chuck's continued criticism of the present administration in Washington, had come under fire. According to my source of information, network "brass" had ordered Chuck to 'cool it" and go slow.

It seems the network was shook up over the flood of letters that had arrived at NBC after Chuck had said over the air that we were in a "racist" war. I COULDN'T BELIEVE that Chuck would give up his TV spot just because he had received a lot of letters criticizing his commentary. For one thing, Chuck is a fighter. I found this out when we worked together on the staff of the old Pittsburgh Courier. As a newspaperman, Chuck wrote some hard hitting columns.

He was never known to bite his tongue on any issue and would hit out at the highest or lowest government official. So why was he giving up now? IN MAKING HIS announcement that he was bowing out, Chuck said he felt that even the "TODAY SHOW" wasn't ready for his type of commentary. He went on to say that the climate of this country seemed to call for a more moderate type of Negro than he. THERE SEEMS TO be two groups of 1 among the so called "Silent Majority." There are the right wingers, the super patriots who monitor all of the radio and TV talk shows. The moment anyone says anything that they disagree with, they hop to the telephone or get busy writing letters of protest and the next thing you know, the person that they disagree with is off the air.

THE OTHER GROUP is made up of liberal thinking whites and black people. We don't bother to telephone or write. We just go along with whatever is happening, never making a wave so to speak. And as a result, through our very silence, we are guilty of contributing to the evils that are espoused by those protesting our liberal viewpoints. IT WAS THEREFORE very gratifying to 1 a that some of the latter group of the "Silent Majority" spoke up in favor of Chuck's views.

The morning after fiery black author lecturer announced his resignation, HUGH DOWNS, host fthe "TODAY SHOW" said NBC TV studios had been flooded with 1 grams, 20 to one in favor of Chuck's remaining on the show. Hugh reads a few, many from whites who said they hoped Chuck would reconsider and return to the show. As one telegram stated, "while I don't always agree with your point of view, I do think your viewpoints should be heard." A LETTER, CARD or telegram means a lot to any program. If it is true that Chuck was forced to resign because of those who wrote in urging his dismissal, the same amount of correspondence can reverse that decision. So all of you "silent" viewers speak up.

The black man needs a voice that isn't afraid to speak the truth. IF YOU HAVEN'T sent in your letter protesting the "protesters," then do so today. While you are at it you might also suggest that blacks be considered for guest spots on shows where they can express their opinion on other vital issues of the day besides those that only pertain to race. lift BIIMMIP LOLA FALANA Is shown in a scene from the controversial movie, "The Liberation of REVIEWER SAYS L.B. Jones," which Is currently playing around the country.

'Liberation Of L.B. Jones' A Grimm Black Fairy Tale Editor's note: I was In Europe when "The Liberation of L.B. Jones" opened here in Pittsburgh. I asked one of my coworkers to see it and write me a review. She did and the folio wing is what she wrote.

HAZEL GARLAND By DIANE PERRY Courier staff writer was retained by poor L. B. J.iliberated, and Yaphet Kotto Three Major Awards I I 4 writer and director for over ten years before he returned to the United States. Upon returning eight years go, he became a producer for United Nations television and thereafter an independent film maker. He now runs his own production company in New York.

He has just taken on twe film projects for the Equal Em. ployment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C. and is also currently working on the completiton of his first full length feature film, "Symbio psychotaxiplasm Take 1." NI6HPBEAT! By HAZEL GARLAND AFTER YEARS OF "paying his dues" by play ing in small clubs, B. B. King, better known as Mr.

Blues," opened Monday at the Royal Box ol the Americana Hotel in New York City. A glittering array of star studded guests were reported to have been at ring side to welcome the singer guitanst to the plush spot. IN THE MEANTIME, the fabulous Temptations aunched the Memorial Day weekend by "breaking it up" at the Copa in Gotham where they have been 'doing their thing" in their customary style. The popular singing group are big favorites among fans in the New York area. THE SUDDEN ILLNESS of proprietors Joe Robin son of the Crawford Grill in Pittsburgh, Pa.

put a damper on the month long celebration of the 24th anniversary of the jazz spa. Robinson was stricken in Detroit, where he had gone to attend the last rites of his sister, Bessie Pratt. He became so ill that he wasn't able to attend the funeral and was lown back to Pittsburgh where he is being treated. Cards may be sent to "genial" Joe in Room 1 C6, West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15224.

THE NEGRO ENSEMBLE in New York, which was desperately in need of money to keep func tioning, was recently awarded $447,805 for continued general support from the Ford Foundation. The Ensemble was one of 17 organizations receiving grants totaling $2.1 million. mm nai 1 himj? Mi I i I ii I ill i I kil lyl 1 1 immmmm LmA 11,3,1 i SAMMY AND BRIDE Sammy Davis billed as the "World's Greatest Entertainer," is shown here with his bride, the former Altavise Gore as they arrived in Chicago recently, Tbey are pictured walking op the stairway of the O'Hare International Airport. jazz musicians both here and abroad. Jazz buffs are expected from all over the tri state area.

Ad i 1 ditional information can ba found at the CYO Festival office, 111 Blvd. of Allies, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222..