The San Francisco Examiner from San Francisco, California • 8

I Sight and sounds A8 S.F. EXAMINER Oct. 17, 1981 Some of the best films are free By Nancy St'ott San Francisco International Film Festival NE OF the ironies of the Film Festival is that the free movies shown during the daytime are of ten more interesting than the major features 'V our i.ikg.,-. ni Ti VfWiilltrimni1 leader, and the two of them take on the responsibility of trying to care for all the homeless kids they can find including the dangerous little monsters hiding underground. There is no quality of science fiction to these "real" scenes, simply a powerful exaggeration of what is already happening, and it's terrifying to see.

The problems arise with the cinematic treatment of the heroine's imagination, and the scenes in which she finds herself in the decaying opulence of the past These are exquisitely filmed, but I dont think any camera can recreate the complexity of Lessing's metaphors the accuracy of her descriptions of sound, smell, texture and atmosphere, or her understanding of the social and psychological pressures on families and on women and children. More, her heroine Ls an active participant, as she moves through the past, and Christie fc-passive. After a while, it becomes tiresome, watching her stare in perplexity at the artifacts of a lost world and the people who lived in it The script was written by Gladwell with Kerry Grabbe, and I think they have made some errors of interpretation, particularly in the scenes of Edwardian mama, papa and child. I also think that they have been almost too literal with their visual substitutions, without reaching the substance of what Lessing is saying about the past as it affects the future. I'm glad they made the movie, though, for the scenes of the children.

And because it proves that words are sometimes better than a thousand pictures. A 1 1 shown in the evening. Witness last year's "Gal Young 'un," shown during the New Directors' series. Or, consider this year's "Memoirs of a Survivor," which will be shown as part of that series on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Palace of Fine Arts.

It is based on Doris Lessing's novel of the same name, and as a translation of Lessing's prose into film, it's not particularly successful. Taken strictly on its own terms, it's a fascinating piece of work, despite some sequences that require more patience than I'm able to muster for any movie, no matter what the source or subject. The director, David Gladwell, is British, and the heroine is played by Julie Christie, who faces the awesome task of walking through much of the film without speaking at all because Gladwell has chosen to recreate the first person narration with the camera instead of words. This means that much of the time we are watching Christie watching what's going on in reality and in imagination. The reality is London, sometime in the near future, when civilization has broken down.

The streets are littered with garbage; water and electricity are rarely available, and finally disappear altogether, hundreds of homeless kids join the gangs of teenagers, traveling through the city to I Ian McKellen as D.H. Lawrence, Janet Suzman as Frieda in 'Priest of Love' Deification of D.H. Lawrence Julie Christie barely speaks as Doris Lessing's heroine somewhere anywhere else; and hundreds of other kids hide in the defunct subway tunnels like so many starving stone age animals. Meanwhile, the nameless authorities have not quite capitulated to anarchy, and one of them assigns Christie the care of a teen-age girl. The girl falls in love with a young gang By Nancy Scott OBODY WHO IDOLIZES a famous author should ever make a movie about that author.

Idolaters are by definition mush-headed at least 1n the presence of the idol and they would have the rest of us be mash-headed, too. Well. I tell vou. when the idol in question is So much to say, but it's all talk D.H. Lawrenc e.

I rebel. Maybe there Ls a great movie to be made about the man. but it Ls not "Priest of live." tonmht's 7 p.m. offerinfi at the Palace of Fine Arts, which begins its commercial run next Friday at the Cannery Cinema. II is directed by Christopher Miles, a self-acknowledged HEN A FILM Festival movie opens to the sound of leaden heartbeats and the sight of a forbidding wall with empty windows, it is wise to prepare for a heavy-duty experience.

You were probably already prepared 37, to his death in During these years he and Frieda were constantly on the move from New Mexico to Mexico, back to England, then to Italy and France, a situation that offers many grand opportunities for gorgeous location shots. If you are looking for Taos, however, forget it. That's the one "authentic" location that Ls not listed in the production notes. It's just as well. The New Mexican Indians who dance for the entertainment of the guests at a party, staged by the legendary Mabel Dodge Luhan, are wearing Sioux war bonnets.

Ava Gardner plays Luhan with imperial affectation. She doesn't ride horseback, she sails across the screen, scarves flying. Sir John Gielgud has a small part as the crusading moralist who saw to it that Lawrence's books and paintings were burned and banned, and though he does the role comic justice, he might as well exist in a vacuum. There is no sense in the movie of the gulf between ordinary people and Lawrence. The moralizers are caricatured as gross relics, and some of them were indeed gross, but it's worth remembering that "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was banned in this country until 19(10.

It's almost worth suffering the rest of the movie to see McKellen's mocking blue eyes as he begins writing that look, and the short sequence in which he and Suzman talk about Lady Chatterley has a nice comic and sexual tension. Otherwise, this vision of Lawrence Ls so heroic and his art is so important that a few minor peccadillos like wife-beating and temper tantrums are made to seem absolutely lovable. It makes you want to ask, who made this anyway? Frieda? Law rence devotee. It Ls as plump and San luscious as a bowl Francisco of waxed fruit. International twice as inedible Film and it lasts longer Festival than plastic.

I anyway, if you went to the Palace of Fine Arts last night to see Italian director Francesco Rosi's "Three Brothers," because Rosi has a distinguished reputation for making serious movies about serious problems. San Francisco To be exact: 133 minutes. The sad thing is that the principal roles are brilliantly acted by lan McKellen as Lawrence and Janet Suzman as his wife. Frieda, but nothing they can do can alter the chaotic tedium of Alan Tlater's script. There are flashbacks explaining how Iawrence convinced the aristocratic Frieda to leave her husband and children and how they were persecuted by both the Cermans and the English during World War I.

but the movie deals chiefly with the period from 1924, when Lawrence was International And that is wonderful when the movie Is as absorbing as the problem warrants. With all respect to Rosi, the problem can't give you anything but love, baby," and an Italian-American jumps down from the turret to kiss the soil. It's the only moment of humor and the only surprise in the whole movie. Rosi has a great many things to say about the futility of terrorism, the responsibility of trade unionists to be nonviolent and the terrifying possibility that all those who live on the fringes starving children, delinquents, drug addicts ill destroy the rest of us. The trouble is that it's all talk, and I had the feeling that Rosi was looming behind the camera like a doomsday preacher.

In between talking and dreaming, the camera follows the little girl as she explores the huge old barn, and the unionist as he tries to seduce an old girlfriend, and the village women as they pray around the corpse. It Ls all beautiful and static. Meanwhile, the old man wanders interminably along the edges of the movie, and he has his own memories. They are simple memories of his wife on their wedding day, of how she lost her new ring in the sand, of how he found it His grief in the final scene, as he holds that same ring, has a simplicity and strength that can't be found in the rest of the movie. Nancy Scott Sutherland autograph party Soprano Joan Sutherland, appearing in the San Francisco Opera production of "The Merry Widow," will be at the San Francisco Opera Shop Thursday from 1-3 p.m.

to autograph copies of her biography, "La Stupenda." The book, published in England, is reportedly available in this country only at the Opera Shop. Film Festival This 'Possession' isn't worth keeping By Wayman Wong OLISH DIRECTOR Andrzej Zulawski should be I arrested for "Possession." Although his film doesn't deal with drugs, it makes you wonder if is important, but "Three Brothers" has so many elegaic sequences it would try the patience of a saint, and each scene is composed with such self-conscious artistry you could frame it on the spot. As the movie opens, the three brothers have been summoned home to the family farm in southern Italy by their aged father to attend their mother's funeral. The eldest is a judge, who has been marked for murder by terrorists. The middle son, a gentle idealist works in a home for juvenile delinquents.

The youngest is a militant unionist whose wife has left him, taking their little girl with her. He borrows the child to bring her to the funeral. The action (such as it isl shifts from reality to memories to daydreams and nightmares. The judge dreams of being murdered; the unionist imagines a reconciliation with his wife; the idealist invents a world in which the children destroy all the guns and drugs. That's a marvelous sequence, full of energy and joy.

So is his memory of the day an American tank amved and the war ended for his village. The tension is fierce; the tank Ls menacing. Suddenly there is the sound of a radio playing "I Zulawski was on drugs during the shooting of this atrocious and disgusting supernatural horror movie. with broken wine bottles. This film plays on a high pitch of hysteria and never lets up.

IsabelJe Adjani plays Anna, and Sam Neill is Marc, her deservedly distraught husband. Both ham it up and shout their lines wildly throughout. Besides the delirium, this horror film is sadistically brutal and needlessly cruel. Some of its more perverse episodes will cause you to turn your head, if not turn your stomach. At the press screening of "Possession" I attended, I left during the last 20 minutes, right after the scene in which Marc stuffs the head of Anna's lover into the toilet and pushes dow the lever.

If, by some miracle, this film is released commercially, do ourself a favor; don't let this "Possession" take hold of you or your money. For some inconceivable reason, this sick and violent piece of trash was dumped on audiences last night at the San Francisco International Film Festival. i or tne In this frenzied and furious movie, Anna is a woman so full of evil within her that it transforms itself into a slimy creature that San Francisco International Film Festival A RWAM0UNT PCTURE PG NOW SHOWING oozes from her body. This creature drives her mad and practically turns her into a shrill, shrieking zombie. She kills investigating detectives by either shcxiting them or cutting their throats In 70 mml A BLUMFNFElO THE ATflf NEXT TO COW PALACE GENEVA DRIVE-IN 587-2884 Oakland i 98 i BALLET SEASON RONN C.l'IDl, DIRECTOR PA RAM 01 NT THEATRE, OAKLAND FINAL PROGRAM OF THE SEASON October 17 al PM FANTASIA PAR A IN GLNTILHOMBRI: -Ouidi Rodnun CARNIVAL DA I Gmtli Milhjud SI HI LIl'S-(iuuli Sibdius "Premiere VAh Daily at 1 30.3 40.5 50.

8 05 10 20 1st Show Barg Mat Daily Opens at 7 15 Week nights 7 00 Fri Sal .4 Sun Co-feature "Airplane" Oakland Symphony CALVIN SIMMONS, Music Director Premiere! TueThurOctober 20, pmParamount WedOctober 218 pmZellerbach Calvin Simmons, conductor Rose Mary Harbison, violin Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis John Harbison Violin Concerto (West Coast Premiere Janacek Sinfonietta SOME SEASON TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE 465-6400 Alto Al TthMO SeMcteC Boy Am Thttlnt and Ortvo-ml EAST BAY -PENINSULA 'Oakland Showcase1A2 San Maieo. Hillsdale Fierkeiey. Caiilorma -SANJOS- San Jose Century 21 tm 70 mm) San Jose. Capitol Drtve-ln MARIN 'Corte Madera. Cinema (in 70 mm) Palo Alto Pato Alto Square Burlingame BurlingameDnve-tn Hayward Festival Pleasant Hills Century 21 Dublin Dublin Mann Oakland.

Coliseum Drtve-ln HcketM Orchestra 'Grand Tier: ill. Orchestra Terrace Dress (. ire le SHI. Orchestra lerraee Rejir: SH. Uuk-onv: S.S further 1 ickets available at Paramount Theatre Box Office.

BASS, and all major auencics. THE MUSICAL HIT Also Starring (iEWEJJ "A KNOCKOUT! Theater Guide AVERY BIG, BEAUTIFUL FILM. THE BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS THIS YEAR." Vincent Canby. New York Times "DEEPLY MOVING AN EXPERIENCE OF EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT." Arcner Wmslen New York Post TRULY UNFORGETTABLE. AN EXTRA SPECIAL TREAT!" ADDED PERFORMANCE: TUESDAY, OCT.

27 AT 8: "II II 9:00 I ASPARAGUS VALLEY THE PIRATES NO PERFORMANCE SUNDAY NOV. I AT 6:30 ,0 OUR AFFAIR WITH AST AIRE SFE THtATKf GUIDC FOR DfTAItS BETRAYAL San Francisco Premiere' Harold Pinter's haunting and perplexing look at friendships and lover relationships. Thu, Fn, Sat 8 30 PM. Sun 2 00 PM OF PENZANCE The Tony Award-winnina New Yoric Shake FINAL WEEKS! CLOSES OCT. 31! "Funniwt show in S.F." KCjO Thrd Hnous Year' Tues -Fn 8 30, Sal.

7 10 Sun. 3 7 30 speare Festival Production ot the Gilbert KCBS. Fn, Mon 8 30 pm. Tix major ACTORS' ARK THEATRE PHOFNIY TMFATDt dox unices. BlrJjF.Ft.MosanCnlr (415)441-2453 430 Broadway 397-3700 PREVIEWS Sukvan musical TODAY AT 2:30 8: Ju: Wed.

Thur. at 8, Fn. Sat, at 8:30, Wed. Sat. Mats, at 2 30, Sun Mat.

at 3, Tickets avoilable at Orpbeum Theatre Box Office, BASS, Ticketron maa agencies CHARGE BY PHONE: (415)474-3800. Cedar nr. Post Van Ness 330-7348 HOTEL OF FOLLIES BAR WARS BALLET new mt rrW mvctprv rraiu-rJ rvacantaA Our' nWlH Uoorwoys Donee Theatre presents New WflVP mirw frvnul. i by the Angels or Light Beoutitii set, gorgeous costumes, htghtooe dancing, PEKING OPERA OF CHINA Oct, 16-17 9pm 2nd show Sat 1 1 30 ORPHEUM THEATRE 1 192 Market ot 8th 474-3800 funoenm songs PROJECT ARTAUD THEATER CHI-CM THEATRE CLUB Now! pkiyng through Oct 25th The 450 Hondo St. Res 863-7213 440 Broadway 392-6213 AGEM! STEVIE' IS THE MIRACLE OF WIT AND SOPHISTICATION WE'VE BEEN DYING FOR." Re Reed Syndicated Columnist RICHARD II by Wom Shakespeare Today ot Mon.

ot Tickets-by-Phone. MCVsa AMEX ok. MS nam BEACH BLANKET BABYLON GOES TO AOveMurM of Monkey Kg -Kt. 23, 24 ot 8pmOct. 17 25 2pm "Fomout Hiohkahte" Oct 16, 17, 20, 22 at 8omOct.

24 at 2pm "The Magic Lantern: (Boo Lion Dona)" tomorrow Sun Oct 18 2pm Only! Ful Company ot 70 SpectoaJar Acrobats I REMEMBER MAMA bv John von Druten Toreght at 8 30' iK.ketsv Hhone. MCVisa AMtX ok. AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE THE STARS AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE AND THE BEACH 41 5 Geary St. 673-6440 WARFIELD THEATRE 41 5 Geary St. 673-6440 835-5342 SPECIAL SUPMNG EDITION OF STtVF SIlVtR'S AWARD WINNING MUSICAL REVUE Wed A Tkn r- man STREET DREAMS PETER PAN IT'S MY PARTY NEW MUSICAL! By Eve Memam and Helen Miller.

Four Weeks Only: Opens GLENDAJACKSONASfl 30; Mn- 3 welcomel ju, inKijt muNt. Thu. Oct. 1 5. Limited Seating, visorw, FINAL WEEK Closet Oct.

17th! THE RHYTHM METHODS 50 60 New WOVP rrvrwHu-Tlnnr, TT The Broodway production of The Musical Hit stamng SANDY DUNCAN and CHRISTOPHER HEWITT now in its FINAL 3 WEEKS: MUST CLOSE NOV. 1. TODAY OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY A. CLUB FUGA7I OCTOBER 13-25 (Tues. thru Sun.) WARriELD THEATRE 6th Market Streets, San Francisco 478 Greennr.

Grant 441-61 27 68 Green Stteet 421-422? 8 30, Fn 8 00 Sal 8 11 $7, $8. AT 2 A 8. Wed mru Sol. at 8, Sun. at 0f 6 30.

Wed. Sat. Sun. Mats, ot 2 asm OLD VENETIAN BAKERY STUCK BLEACHER BUMS ADDED PERFORMANCE Oct. 27 ot 2202 Powell 956-9531 World Premier of ths freeway comedy 8 NO PERF Sun I ot 6 30.

Tickets FINAL 3 Wnvt Wed-Sot thai 1122 ot 8 30 pm. Sun avcoable at Golden Gate Theatre Box Vected bv Lee Srrttnwwh 'w. LA MOME PIAF ty WvwM Comedy." SF Chronide Mats Oct. 25 1 18 at 2 00 pm. MAGIC THEATRE Ottice, BASS, Ticketron and motor agencies CHARGE IY PHONE: MIS) 775- the AovtriTintES or noriKtv Kino Oct ft, 23, 2 ate 00 pm Oct 17 4 25 at 2 00 pm rAHOUS HIGHLIGHTS Oct 17.

20. 22 at 8 00 pmOct 24 at 2 00 pm THE RAGIC LAPITtRrt: (BAO L1API DEMO) Sunoay, Oct. 18 al 2 00 pm LIMITED (NGAGf MSMT jr tAwwNtx lunB30P Sal ot 7 10, Sun at 3 4 7 8800. BWa D. Fort Mason 441-8822 Lnv Mm nnri mur nt ErLt.

I orchestration Fn, Sat 8pm, Sun 4:30 pm GOLDEN GATE THEATRE FROM THC SAMUEL OOIOWVN I LITTLE FOY TUCatbc THE STUDENT PRINCE UCI. JIST Golden Gate Market 775-8800 533 Pontic Ave. Bo Ottice 362-4430 EXCLUSIVE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ENGAGEMENT NABE THEATER GROUP Potrero HJ IWiborhood House ty SOLD OUT to the end of the run 953DeHaro 826080821-7516 October Z51h PRESENTATION THEATRE STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY FINAL WEEKS! down) Oct. 30th! 2350 Turk St.Masontc 752-7755 NOW PLAYING! Free parking TS9mT7TTT7TTi 7 30. 9 40 Call for CTil IaVAX Wed SaI Sun details tammXmtVUStm Matinees 1:00, 3:00, 215 JACKSON ST.

(AT BATTERY) 421-3353 Tues Wee Ihurs Mats $10 50 J14 50. $16 50 Fn Sat eves $12 50. $16 50. S18 50 J2 00 discpunt for StuOents and Seniors Group discounts available, call 421 -Mft Tickets avaifaDie at an BASS outlets including most Bullocks, most Record Factory Stores, Eucalyptus Recoids. Seais Liberty House (S I and San Jose Box 0ice and me Bass ticket ottice.

362 Sheet Oakland Credit Cards Accepted All tickets subect to Service Charge WATCH OUT FOR COUNTERFEIT TICKETS BUY ONLV FROM AN AUTHORIZED TICKET AGFNCV PRETZELS Winner of 2 Theatre Cnhcs Award "A DANCE BETWEEN THE LINES 'Trominq over wcth entertainment" -Stack, SF Chronicle Thurs-Sun 8 30 10 30 Tickets ot BASS MUSIC HALL THEATRE WORKING A ri IvuA ridt Tprkpt's honk premiere ot musical revue vein ot suoem cost deserves to nm forever!" Moy Ntjht Live. Last 3 pertormances Brooks. KGO. Wed. thru Sat.

8:30 Presented by Actors Ensemble ot Berkeley. Also At: NORTHSIDE THEATRE, BERKELEY 841-6000 irjui WV7 JUFI UNICORN STAGE COMPANY Charoa by phono. ON BROADWAY THEATRE PM thru uct. i inu rn 3ai LIVE OAK THEATRE and AQUARIUS CINEMAS, PALO ALTO 327-3240 93ILarkinSt 776-8996 Shattuck at Berrymon 526-5760 435Broadwov 398-0800 leniroi YMIA Theatre 648-9186.