/ ROMANCE & ROUGH STUFF PAGE 21 Air America [2.9] The Court-Martial of VIDEORELEASES Comedy: Action, VVar Jackie Robinson [3.3] 1900, Color, 112 minutes [R: violence, language] Drama: Biography The following films are scheduled Director: Roger Spottiswoode 1.990, Color, 094 minutes [Not Rated] for release on video this mond1. Cast: Mel Gibson, Robert Downey Jr., Nancy Director: Lany Peerce Though based on the latest Travis, David Marshall Grant, Lane Smith Cast: Andre Braugher, Daniel Stem, Ruby Dee, available information, these Review: An otherwise silly premise is handled Stan Shaw, Paul Dooley, Bruce Dem listings are subject to change [and deftly by Spottiswoode and company to provide Review: This historical drama is an in1portant not all stores carry all videos]. light yet solid escapist fare: Downey is the rookie footnote to U.S. histocy, seJving as a 20th centucy For a guide to Cinedex and pilot drafted for unofficial airlifts during the Viet follow-up to "Glocy" [Edward Zwick, 1989]. The Nam VVar, and Gibson is the veteran who puts up film presents the events leading up to and the MPAA ratings, see our masthead wiili the rookie's idealistic questions. "Air America" VVorld VVru· II experience of Jackie Robinson (best on page three. never realizes hilarity, but it remains consistent known for being the first black player in major throughout, creating an absurd reality that rings league baseball). His confrontation wiili racial true, and provides Gibson and Downey enough prejudice in ilie milita!y, leading up to the opportunities to exercise their expert comic timing. mevitable title proceeding, is standard stuff Release Date: 21. Februruy 1991 heightened by sensitive writing and superb acting. Originally filmed for television, the non-cinematic Chicago Joe and the Showgirl [2.8] work remains powerful for its stocy and for its Drama: Character Study performances. 1900, Color, 105 minutes IRl Release Date: 28 Febmacy 1991 Director: Bemard Rose Cast: Keifer Sutl1erland, Emily Lloyd, Patsy Kensit Darkman [1.8] Review: Reminiscent of "Badlands" and "Bonnie Drama: Action, Fantasy and Clyde," "Chicago Joe" presents a young man 1.990, Color, 096 minutes [R: violence, language] and woman whose chance meeting leads to ve1y Director: Sam Rairni serious thrill seeking. Set in VVorld VVar II London, Cast: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin it's ilie dubious reputation of Joe (Suilierland) that Fhels, Larry Drake, Nelson Mashinta excites a.TJd motivates ilie showgirl (Lloyd). This Review: Rainll has carefully and thoroughly set up true stocy is primarily a lightweight character study his dramatic components based on a traditional iliat slowly reveals ilie emotional make up of ilie code, only to quickly toss the code out the window. two leads. The absence of powerful revelations in Neeson plays a scientist attempting to discover a ilie script leaves "Chicago Joe" only mildly formula for synilietic flesh. As he's on the verge of entertaining, except for several exceptionally a breakthrough, he crosses paths wiili some amusing situations iliat arise from ilie characters' gangsters (tied into local politics) who all but peculiar predicaments. murder Neeson and destroy his laboratocy. Release Date: 07 Februacy 1991
Cinema Paradiso [3.7] Comedy/Drama: Character Study 1988, Color, 123 minutes [Not Rated] Director: Guiseppe Tomatore Cast: Philippe Noiret, Jacques Perrin, Salvatore Cascio, Mario Leonardi, Agnese Nano, Leopolda Trieste Review: A splendid script affords ilie director and cast evecy opportunity to breath real life into tl1is village community which revolves around ilie local motion picture theater. It's there that a young boy named Toto, completely fascinated with fue cinema, strikes a friendship with the projectionist and learns the trade. This is not a quickly paced film and may be slow at times for some, but the leads and supporting ensemble are tightly bound by ilie movie house, a dramatic premise that is a loving tribute to the cinema on behalf of audiences everywhere. Note: In Italian uith English subtitles. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Picture. Release Date: 06 Februruy 1991
"'_ ...... ~ -·- -··· - ·""' ..... _.. _,._ Af..... s.-n 2 . "'"-· ' -~ · ....OM! ...... - ... CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 :cineGuide:• • FEBRUARY1991 VOLUME 1 NUMBER 5 •coVER: ROXANNE's Steve Martin longs for the romance found by Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn in SABRlNA Photos courtesy of RCN Columbia Home Video and Paramount Home Video, respectively. .:NEW RELEASES PAGE 2 IIGENRES & THEMES: PAGE 5 •ciNEDEX: A IJST OF AIL FILM REFERENCES PAGE 12
•REVIEWS & RATINGS Most reviews and ratings of recent titles are based on theatrical screenings, including original running time. CineGuide fihn ratings in this issue (appearing in brackets following film titles) are based on our Cinedex· System, a 0-5 scale: 5.0 Absolute perfection 4.0 Archive material Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. look ready for action in February's video release, "Air America." 0 19'>-HRI-STARNCTURFS. 3.0 Recommended 2.5 Average 2.0 Below average 1.0 No redeeming value Believed to be dead, the scientist sets up shop in Death Warrant [NOT REVIEWED] Civilized disagreement is par for the an abandoned factory and, using the efforts of his Drama: Action course, and Cinedex ratings and reviews research, seeks his revenge. Director Raimi 1900, Color, 000 minutes [Rl are intended only as guides. We inadequately sets up that premise, and that Director: Deran Sarafian encourage readers to express their point damages everything that follows. In the first place, Cast: Jean-Claude Van Darnme, Robert Guillaume, of view (see below, under "How to being an innocent victim isn't enough to earn our Cynthia Gibb, George Dickerson, Patrick Kilpatrick, Contact Us"). faith or sympathy. In that light, the fact that Art LaFlew·, Abdul Salaam El Razzac When available, Motion Picture Darlonan undertakes brutal revenge (instead of Release Date: 27 February 1991 Association of America theatrical ratings are included, along with warning lines: justice and the American way) is a violation of all G General Audiences good guy ethics. Raimi may have meant this to The Endless Game [2.6] PG Adult guidance suggested appear as the actions of a tragic individual, the Drama: 1990, Color, 123 minutes [PG-13] PG-13 May be unsuitable for under 13 ultimate irony that Darlonan's private sense of Director: Bryan Forbes R May be unsuitable for under 18 justice is as violent as are his enemies. His Cast: Albert Finney, George Segal, Kristen Scott NC-17 For adults only supposed heroics are instead a comic book movie Thomas, Derek De Lint, Monica Guen-itore, Ian •SUBSCRIPriONS gone wrong. Perhaps "Darlonan" is someone the Holm, John Standing, Anthony Quayle, Nanette Subscriptions are available for $15 per popular audience can cheer on, but the more Newman year (12 issues) by sending your check sensitive, critical filmgoer will be disappointed. Review: Strong leads and intriguing plot points or money order to the address below. Release Date: 14 February 1991 help to spice up this otherwise monotonous presentation. The storyline behind writer-director •HOW TO CONI'ACI' US CineGuide welcomes your comments & Days of Thunder [2.31 Forbes' script involves a British intelligence agent suggestions. Please contact us at Drama: Character Study, Romance (Finney) investigating the death of a fellow spy CineGuide 1990, Color, 107 minutes [PG-13] (also his mistress). As the top cast member, Finney Post Office Box WI Director: Tony Scott is commanding as always, though the script affords Oak Park, n, 60303 708-383-0277 Cast: Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, him only the subtlest shading of character. The Nicole Kidman, Cary Elwes continual conflict of his search is simple survival in •DISClAIMER Review: Cruise holds his own is this film that has the world of espionage: spies and double spies are CineGuide is an independent little overall worth. He plays a car racing hot dog everywhere and, as Finney explains, trust is not in publication, and it has no affiliation with with a hot head to match. Despite those negative any motion picture or video company. their professional vocabulruy. The wooden The ideas and opinions expressed qualities, his natural talents help him to overcome presentation by Forbes does allow Segal to stand herein are those of CineGuide or its the antagonism he creates on and off the track. out in an untypically colorful role as a dangerous contributors. The entire contents of this That's about as full as the plot gets, leaving plenty but unidentified player in the game. issue are Copyright 1991 by CinePress of room for character development which never Note: Originally made for cable broadcast, this unless othe1wise noted, and no portion may be reproduced without written occurs. Duvall especially makes up for the lack of work contains the final performance of AnthOny permission. The publisher & editor is scripted substance, and Scott's direction of racing Quayle. Jeremy A Pollack scenes is absorbing. If you're a true Cruise fan, Release Date: 28 February 1991 you're sure to enjoy his performance despite the CONTINUED story flaws. Release Date: 07 February 1991 3 CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 A Fight for Jenny [1.8] Sutherland, the film delivers an absorbing story, VIDEORELEASES Drama: 1986, Color, 100 minutes [Not Rated] hampered by a poor plot choice and an Director: Gilbe1t Moses unsatisfactory ending. Cast: Lesley Ann WruTen, Philip Michael Thomas, Release Date: 13 Febl'Ua.I)I 1991 Jaclyn-Rose Lester, Jean Smrut, Lynne Moody, Barbara Montgome1y, Drew Snyder, William I Come in Peace [3.0] Athmton Drama: Action/Fantasy Review: Taken from a tme st01y, this account of 1990, Color, 091 minutes the circumstances swTounding a custody battle is [R violence, strong la.Ilguage, brief nudicy] reminiscent of "The Good Mother." Wanen is the Director: Craig R Baxley mom here who, with her daughter, leads a Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Brian Benben, Betsy contented life until she meets Thomas. Their Brantley, Matthias Hues, Jay Bilas interracial relationship sets up the conflict of this Review: "I Come in Peace" is a good, old action work, yet it takes over half the film to reach it and flick with a little bit of snappy <.iialogue to boot. It then it's handled in the most shallow way possible. even manages to throw in sideplots-involving a Neither lead is given much to do by the script, and coroner girlfriend, the local crime boss, and the the direction is as static as a white on white corruption of justice- without gumming up the painting. simple premise: an alien drug dealer comes to earth Note: Originally made for television and released in search of a rare enzyme. For better or for worse, on video four years later. he's also pursued by an alien nru-c. That leaves a Release Date: 28 FebJUruy 1991 local cop and an FBI agent to protect the interests of earthlings everywhere. That ridiculous premise does require you to suspend your belief in realicy, This tender scene between Keifer but it will reward you for doing so. Lundgren Sutherland and julia Roberts is apperu'S awkward at times, but he overcomes it in uncharacteristic of "Fladiners." 0 the end. Benben is an added pleasure as 19'Xl O:JLUMBIA PICTURI:S Lundgren's partner and foil. The only tJUe knock to give this film is it's gratuitous use of swearing. Release Date: 06 Febmruy 1991
Mr. Frost [Nar REVIEWED] 1990, Color, 092 minutes [R] Director: Philip Setbon Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Alan Bates, Kathy Baker, Roland Giraud Release Date: 13 FebJUruy 1991
Quick Change [2.9] Comedy: 1990, Color, 088 minutes [R: language] Director: Howard I
•Back to the basics For love interest, you could concentrate on romantic teams: W illiam Powell and Myrna Loy made 12 films togetl1er; Fred Astaire and G inger Rogers, 10 films together; nine appearances with Tracy and Hepburn; Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney or Jeanette
Opposite Page: AI Pacino rums Michael Corleone inside-out in "Scarface," a fllm of accelerating brutality. This Page: Steve Martin stars in "Roxanne," a charming 7 re-interpretation of the earlier "Cyrano de Bergerac" with more flair than the original. CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 best of George Raft and Edward G. Robinson. •Romance and the unexpected lead: GENRES&THEMES (Dare we not mention Roger Corman's own Sabrina St Valentine's Day Massacre?) Four years after the original Cyrano, an Somewhere between those early trend unexpected romantic team of Audrey setters and today's standards, the cinema Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart proved that produced countless effortS that link the forms offbeat casting can work wonders. of yesterday and today. Some of the successes In Billy Wilder's 1954 film, Sabrina is a are better known than others, yet many fall chauffeur's daughter (Hepburn) whose into the realm of overlooked contributions. attraction for me rich family's youngest son Not all of the following will prove significant (William Holden) jeopardizes family business. in the history of film, but each title is wortl1y In steps older bromer Lionel (Bogart) who of your consideration when looking for attempts to fix me situation by courting bouquets or bullets on February 14. Sabrina himself. As most of Billy Wilder's comedies, Sabrina •Romance and the unexpected lead: offers a blend of elements, including a timely Roxanne view of United States culture. The fi lm lightly After a string of light films, mostly criticizes the generalized mentalities of me irreverent comedies, Steve Martin stepped into upper and working classes, as well as big the top role in Roxanne [1987, Fred business. The underlying sentiment mough is Schepisi], beautifully delivering a romantic as old as the hills-what should a romantic lead much to the surprise of his harshest comedy be about if not "love conquers all?" critics. Hepburn was me perfect choice for Sabrina, The film is a remake of the 1950 Cyrano a character who must evolve from an de Bergerac which in tum was taken from the awkward adolescent to a stunning woman, 1897 play in verse by Edmond Rostand. The practically overnight (to become as striking as original story centers on a virtual renaissance any 1954 Vogue cover). Hepburn's unique man, as elegant as he is eloquent, except for expression of idealistic innocence imprisoned one physical failing. It is this handicap that in a woman of the world was made to order. blocks him for discovering true love, the thing She provides the lifeblood of the film: wide he most longs for. Presented as a tragedy, the eyed, romantic and alluring, all in the same original film was the perfect vehicle for the bite. "serious" actor Jose Ferrer (his performance No matter her naive screen personality, gained him the Academy Award). Hepburn had already received me Academy At the hands of Steven Martin-who wrote Award one year before for William Wyler's the screenplay for Roxanne-the film's weight Roman Holiday, a romantic comedy co is lightened by turning the tragic elements into starring Gregory Peck. Six weeks following the comedy and pathos, the perfect vehicle for his Oscars ceremony, she received a Tony for her own comedic talents and underplayed method Broadway performance in Ondine. of drama. Wim such momentum going for her, T he original is more significant in its direct teaming Hepburn with Bogart probably presentation of emotional and philosophical sounded like the height of miscasting first conflicts, yet Roxanne, despite its sacrificing of discussed. Bogart's Sabrina performance should tragic elements, captures aU the flamboyance not be remembered as his best, but should be and energy of the Cyrano character with more noted as demonstrating a range mat was style and flair than its 1950 predecessor. The greater than most give him credit for. resultant Roxanne has the panache of great When The African Queen was released in romance, at once amorous, sad, sweet and 1951, Bogart had already proven his romantic uplifting. capabilities, but only in roles as exceptional men. With Kamarine Hepburn, under the direction of John Huston, Bogart delivered a 8 very real human being in a film that was at CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 once an adventure and a love story, earning him his first and only Oscar. In 1954, Bogart again stretched his film image in the truly romantic Sabrina. Not only did he offer an acceptable love interest to the much younger Audrey Hepburn, but his character was typically American corporate stuff (his greatest adventure being keeping tabs on his playboy little brother). Bogart realized his Sabrina role with grace and charm, words unknown to critics when reviewing his previous films. In actuality, he was returning to his Broadway roots when he played various, unimportant juvenile and romantic leads during the 1920s. (It's very easy to imagine a dashing presence achieved by a youthful Bogart given the audience's distance in a procenium theater.) His Hollywood break changed that, however, when his role as Duke Mantee in The Petrified Forest [Archie Mayo, 1936] tagged him as a tough guy, anti-hero. It took him 11 years and the creation of his own production The teaming of Cary Grnnr and Katharine Hepbum prod uced severnl romantic classics including "1l1e Philadelphia company before he could begin to play Story" and "Holiday." 1l1c pair is seen here in a moment of ordinary men. doubt from "Bringing Up Baby." nlURTISY l)f TURl'l R I KlME Er-ITERTA it-.'MENT Sabrin;~ is strong on all fronts, the culmination of clever, intelligent scripting, strong direction of narrative, and especially off as stiff and dated. fine acting. The film indulges in the youthful Fifty-one years later, Brian De Palma discovery of love, both for the spriteful directed a 1983 remake of Scarface from a Sabrina and for her seasoned suitors. script by then little-known Oliver Stone. Taking the original's premise only as an •Tough, tougher, toughest inspirational guide, they crafted the tale into Scarf:1ce the ultimate realization of "live by the sword, Two years after the St Valentine's Day die by the sword." Massacre, Warner Bros. followed the pattern While the first version seems to concentrate of its own 1930 Little Cae&1r with the on content, exposing the audience to controversial Public Enemy [1931, William previously unseen views of crime, the latter is Wellman], establishing once and for all that strictly a challenge of the popular art form: gangster films were here to stay. The film how far can a pattern be taken, built like an tumed Cagney's career around and accelerating snowball, until it explodes? transcended the pre-existing levels of realism Many have negatively criticized the language in film, especially pertaining to violence and and violence of this film for going past the crime. saturation point. Such comments fail to At the same time, the Howard Hughes recognize the work as a great, technical production of Scarface was being held up at achievement of popular art Writer O liver the Hays Office for its violent and sexual Stone fulfilled the pattern never realized by content Released in 1932, it set a new the 1932 original: a crude, violent man standard for explicit depiction of gangsters escalates his own ruthless methods until they (loosely based on A1 Capone), although the in tum destroy him. By over-blowing the moral remains the same. When viewed today, character's outrageous aspects, Stone is only the intellect can still appreciate the explosive more thoroughly completing the pattern 9 content while the dialogue and acting come established in the first 20 minutes. Every CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 GENRES&THEMES
TI1e Uncouch.1bles: Andy Garcia, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner and Chnrles Martin Smith. 01~7 PARA\10l.JI\T I'K..IURES UJRI'ORATlON
aspect of this film emphasizes this treatment, framework, but is the essential component to from the direction of De Palma to the the fi lm's ever heightening savagery. performance of Pacino. It remains an The work is also notable for early glimpses incredibly brutal work to watch, but if you can at Michelle Pfeiffer (The Witches of Eastwick, accept that as part of the art form, you may Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker appreciate the fi lm as the ultimate fulfillment Boys) and F. Murray Abraham (Amadeus, to an artistic and technical challenge. The Name of the Rose, An Innocent Man). De Palma and Stone do indeed create one De Palma's 1987 The Untouchables is of the most excessive cycles of violence ever equally appropo for recommending, starring film ed. The film is emotionally violent Kevin Costner, Sean Connery (who won the throughout, containing harsh language and Best Supporting Oscar) and Robert De Niro ferocious action. The pattern escalates for in the story of federal agent Elliott Ness' nearly three hours until it erupts with the fury relentless hounding of AI Capone. of pure chaos. The proof of this achievement lies in the ending that is undeniably • Flipsides of love: upbeat, downbeat preposterous when viewed on its own, yet Chances Are, A Star is Born achieves the irrefutable culmination of the film The silliest of premises supplies the basis for in its entirety. Chances Are [Emile Ardolino, 1989], a Pacino already had two Godfather movies romantic comedy that is wonderful escapist behind him when he took on the updated stuff. Tony Montana in the remake. With a The plot reads ridiculously, but works just reputation for extreme performances (either fine on celluloid (or video tape): the spirit of underplayed as in The Godfather or blown a widow's (Cybill Shepherd) husband returns out in And justice for All), Pacino took the in the body of a much younger man (Robert opportunity to tum his Michael Corleone Downey Jr.) who tries to apprise her of the inside-out, openly exposing every contemptible situation. At the same time, the widow's 10 human trait possible. His characterization daughter falls for Downey who becomes very CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY 1991 would be outlandish in almost any other confused. And that's not to mention the loyal friend of the family (Ryan O'Neal) who's love The film's centerpiece is Gaynor, but March for Shepherd goes back to when the husband steals the show as her ill-fated lover. His GENRES&THEMES was still living. presence is pure magic in his every scene, and Few films approach fantasy in a real-life it is on his behalf that the audience takes the setting, and Chances Are successfully blends story to heart comedy and romance into the genre. The A Star is Born is extraordinary not only for essential tone is light and sweet throughout, March, but also for its supporting talent that with initial credit going to the script by Perry nails every comedic and poignant beat The and Randy Howze. At any point they could best of characters were on hand including have easily turned the work into a cinematic Adolphe Menjou, Uonel Stander, Andy situation comedy suffering from an antique Devine and May Robson. (A further note formula. The plot choices are instead fresh should be made on behalf of one the earliest and lively, allowing the film to gently float achievements of effective technicolor.) along. Downey's chronic innocence is the crucial liThe old reliable characteristic, working as a guiding light for There is one quintessential St Valentine's the other performers. Shepherd, O'Neal and film that is impossible to avoid: Billy Wilder's Masterson follow suit, maintaining the movie's Some Uke it Hot [1952]. Beginning with the lightly worn feeling of fantasy. The cast works all-important title card, "Chicago-1929," it well toged1er in capturing the audience, traces the mad dash of two musicians who making them accept this fairy tale accidentally witness the massacre. W ilder and environment, and keeping them there. co-writer l.A.L Diamond masterfully wed The other side of romance, its dark side, snappy dialogue, slapstick and screwball can be wimessed in various tragedies. Ill-fated comedy with romance, a litde bit of gangsters lovers come in many shapes and sizes from and suspense. Tony C urtis and Jack Lemmon the classic Romeo and juliet to the sweeping create one of me best co-star teams in the fee l of saga in the aforementioned Wuthering history of the cinema, joined by Marilyn Heights. Monroe. Few films can surpass the pacing of In 1937, director W illiam Wellman created this non-stop comedy which properly pays its a classic film of tragic romance in the real tribute in the casting of supporting roles with world. His story inspired two remakes that George Raft and Pat O'Brien. cannot weaken the strength of his original. ' A Star is Born is known to present-day audiences in its 1976 interpretation starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Many more film authorities point with pleasure to George C ukor's 1954 version co-starring Judy Garland and James Mason. Wellman's original yet remains untouched, and as powerful as any film today in expressing the frailty of the human being. Janet Gaynor heads a superb cast in the story of Esther Victoria Blodgett, an innocent girl of the great plains who dreams of being a movie star (even with a name like that). Her dream comes true through exceptional circumstances, aided by a former matinee idol whose own star comes crashing down as quickly as hers ascends. She falls in love with her mentor (Fredric March) , and together they struggle to endure the pressures of her 11 success and his demise. CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 CJI'he Adventures of Ford Fairlane !NOT REVIEWED! DCinema Paradiso [3.71 THECINEDEX Comedy: 1990, Color, 100 minutes [Rj Comedy/Drama: Chru-acter Study Direcrot~ RelU1y Harlin 1988, Color, 123 minutes !Not Rated[ Cast: Andrew Dice Clay, Wayne Newton, Priscilla Presley, Direcoor. Guiseppe Tomatore Manis Day, Robert Englund, Ed O'Neill Cast: Philippe Nou·et, Jacques Penin, Salvatore Cascio, Mruio Leonardi, Agnese Nano, Leopoldo Trieste The Cinedex is an alphabetical · DAU· America [2.9] Synopsis: This uibute to film is exp1-essed through the sto1y index to current releases & major Comedy: Action, War of Thto, a young boy fascinated by the local movie house, film references in this issue. 1990, Color, 112 minutes [R: violence, language[ 811d his friendship with the theater's projectionist Dil'ecoor. Roger Spottiswoode Note: In Italian with English subtitles. Winner of the For a guide to Cinedex and Cast: Mel Gibson, Robe1t Downey Jr., Nancy Travis, David Academy Award for Best Foreign Picture. MPAA ratings, please see our Marshall Grant, Lane Smith masdJead on page mree. Synopsis: A newly recruited pilot {Downey), drafted for CJThe Co~Martial of Jackie Robinson [3.31 unofficial U.S. airlifts of food, rums and dmgs during the Viet Drama: Biogmphy, 1990, Color, 094 minutes !Not Rated[ Nam War, discovers the absurdicy of the situation and tries Direcoor. Lany Peerce to convince another pilot (Gibson) in "doing the right thing." Cast: Andre Bmughe1; Daniel Stem, Ruby Dee, Stan Shaw, Paul Dooley, Bruce Dem CJThe Big Sleep [3.81 Synopsis: Before the baseball g~-eat crossed the color line in Drama: Detective Mystety, Romance the major leagues, he challenged the seg~-egation of the U.S. !946, B&W, 114 minutes !Not Rated[ Atmy. Based on real events. Direcrot~ Howru·d Hawks Cast: Humplu-ey Bogrut, Law-en Bacall, John Ridgely, DDruionan 11.8[ Mrutha Vickers, Louis Jean Heydt, Regis Toomey, Peggy Drama: Action, Fantasy Knudsen, Dorothy Malone, Elisha Cook Jr 1990, Color, 096 minutes [R: violence, language! Synopsis: Raymond Chandler's ptivate detective Phillip Dil'ecoor. Sam Rainli Marlowe goes to work for a wealthy man whose two daugh Cast: Liam Neeson, Frances McDotmand, Colin fuels, ters ru-e anything but innocent The case begins as a matter Lany Drake, Nelson Mashinta of blackmail, but quickly twns into missing persons, mw-der, Synopsis: An innocent scientist (Neeson), should have been and romance. dead at the hands of political gangsters. Instead, he retums Note: Remade with Robert Mitchum as Marlowe in 1978. to seek vengeance aided by the fiuits of his research.
DChances Are [3.1] DDays of Thunder [2.3[ Drama: Fantasy, Romance Drama: Chru-acter Study, Romance 1989, Color, 108 minutes lPG: Adult theme[ 1990, Color, 107 minutes [PG-13[ Direcrot~ Emile Ardolino Direcrot~ Tony Scott Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Cybill Shephet-d, Ryan O'Neal, Cast: Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Nicole Mruy Sturut Masterson, Christopher McDonald, Kidman, Cruy Elwes Josef Sommer, Joe Grifasi, Susan Ruttan, Fran Ryan, Synopsis: A natmal, hot-shot dt-ag t-acer (Cmise) is looking James Noble to prove a lot to himself as he takes on the new challenge of Synopsis: What if a young man gained the memmies of his stock car raci11g. reincrunated spilit? And what if he ran into his wife and daughter from that f01mer life? Well, you got yow· man DDeath Warrant [NOT REVIEWED[ {Downey), you got your spilit, ru1d you got a p1-e~ confused Drama: Action romru1ce. 1990, Color, 090 minutes [Rj Direcoor. Deran Sru-afian DChicago J oe and the Showgirl [2.8J Cast: Jean-Claude Van D8ll1me, Robett Guillaume, Cynthia Drama: Character Study, 1990, Color, 105 minutes IRl Gibb, George Dickerson, Patrick Kilpattick, Art LaFleur, Direcl.m~ Bernard Rose Abdul Salaam El Razzac Cast: Keifer Sutherland, Emily Lloyd, Patsy Kensit Synopsis: Van D=e po11Tays a detective who poses as an Synopsis: Remilliscent of "Badlands" and "Bonnie and inmate to discover who's behind a series of bmtal prison Clyde," the chance meeting of a young man and woman leads murders. to uery setious tluill seeking (set in World Wru· II London and based on a tme sto1y). DDelta Foree 2[1.51 Drama: Action CJI'he China Lake Murdet-s !NOT REVIEWED[ 1990, Color, 106 minutes [R: violence, strong language[ Drama: 1989, Color, 089 minutes lPG-13[ Direcoor. Aaron Nonis Director. Alan Metzger Cast: Chuck Norris, Billy Drago, John P Ryan, Richard Casl.: Tom Skenitt, Michael Parks, Nancy Everhru·d, Jaeckel, Begonia Piaza Lauren Tewes Synopsis: Follow up to the 1986 otiginal, the Force, a top se cr-et militruy strike force (funded by invisible purse stlings) is DChinaoown [4. 01 called in to aid the U.S. Dmg Enforcement Agency to bring Drama: Film Noir Detective Myste1y the v..-orld's biggest dmg lord to justice. 1974, Color, 131 miiJUtes [R: adults themes, situations, violence[ DDick Tracy [2.11 Director. Roman Polanski Drama: Action, Romance, 1990, Color [PC: adult themes[ Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, Jolu1 Huston, Peny Direcoor. Warren Bea~ Lopez, Bwt Young, John Hillennan, Diane Ladd Cast: Wan-en Bea~, Gle!U1e Headly, AI Pacino, MadolU1a, Synopsis: Sucket-ed into a phony adultecy job, 1930s private Chrulie Korsmo, Mandy Patinkin, Charles Durning, Paul detective Jake Gittes (Nicholson) is determined to solve the Sorvino, William Forsythe, Seymour CasseL Dustin case- despite the subject's mysterious wife (Dw1away), pow Hoffman, Dick Van Dyke, Cathetine O'Hru-a, James Caan, erful father-in-law (Huston), 811d the political bosses in 1930s Michael J. Pollard, Estelle Parsons Los Angeles. Synopsis: F\um the pages of the Chicago Ttibune, police· Note: Best Screenplay Oscar winner. Fbllowed by "The man Tracy (Bea~) is after Big Boy Cap1ice (Pacino), while Two Jakes·· {19ro}. tom between his t-eliable gil·! and a mobster's flame.
12 CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 ODie Hard 2 [3.0[ Drama: Action, 1990, Color [R: violence, language[ Director: Renny Harlin THECINEDEX Cast: Bruce Willis, Bonnie Dedelia, William Athetton, Reginald Veljohnson, Franco Nero, William Sadler, John Amos .... Synopsis: When mercenruies seize control of Dulles Inter· •cURRENT RELEASES national Airport, a visiting cop from LA (Willis) takes it New releases currently available upon himself to save the day-and the plane his wife is com· [in alphabetical order]: ing in on. The Adventures of Ford Fairlane Note: Preceded by "Die Hard" (1988). The China Lake Murders Delta Force 2 C1fhe Endless Game [2.6] Dck Tracy .Drruna: 1990, Color, 123 minutes IPG-13] De Hard 2 Director: Btyru1 Forhes The Freshman Cast: Albett Fi.tmey, George Segal, Klisten Scott Thomas, The Gamble Derek De Lint, Monica Guenitore, Ian Holm, John Standing, Ghost dad Anthony Quayle, Nanette Newman Gremlins 2: The New Batch Synopsis: A Btitish intelligence agent investigates the death OGhostdad [2.51 Henry V his fellow spy and lover amongst a host of agents and double Comedy: Fantasy, 1990, Color lPG: language[ High Desert Kill agents. Direct01~ Sidney Poitier Last Exit to Brooklyn Note: Origirw.lly made for cable broadcast, this work con Cast: Bill Cosby, Kimberly Russell, Denise Nicholas, Longtime Companion tains the firw.l performance of Anthony Quayle. Ian Bannen Mo' Better Blues Synopsis: An executive who's always on the mn (Cosby) My Blue Heaven OA Fight for Jenny [1.8[ gets a second chance to do right by his fanilly when he mys Navy Seals Drama: 1986, Color, 100 minutes [Not Rated[ tetiously re-matetializes after a traffic accident A-oolem Child Director: Gilbert Moses Rd:xlcop 2 Cast: Lesley Ann WruTen, Philip Michael Thomas, Jaclyn OGremlins 2: The New Batch [2.51 Short Time Rose Lester, Jeru1 Smrut, LYJme Moody, Bru·bara Comedy: Fantasy, 1990, Color [PG-13: violence, language[ Tie Me Upl Tie Me D:Jwnl Montgomery, Drew Snyder, William Atherton Dll-ectot~ Joe Dante Torn Apart Synopsis: H·om a ttue story about an intetTacial relation· Cast: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Jolm Glover, Robett Young Guns II ship that leads to a custody battle for a little girl. Prosky, Robe1t Picru·do, Cluistopher Lee Note: Originally made for television and released on video Synopsis: Th-ough several twists of fate, an W1precedented four years later. horde of gremlins invades a corporate office building. Their tlu-eat is accelerated when they discover the genetics labora· DFiatlinet-s [2.5[ tory ru1d take advantage of its R&D facilities. Drama: Fantasy/Science Fiction Note: Preceded by "Gremlins" (1984). 1990, Colm; Ill minutes [R: language, violence[ Director: Joel Schumacher DHenry V [2.8] Cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Julia Roberts, Drama: 1989, Color, 137 minutes [Not Rated[ William Baldwin, Oliver Platt Dll-ector: Ke1meth Brru1agh Synopsis: A group of med students delves into "post-life" Cast: Ketmeth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, Alec experience by temponuily inducing death and then bringing McCowen, Ian Holm, Richard Briars, Robett Stephens, the patient back to life. The dangers inherent in the expeti Robbie Coltrane, Cluistian Bale, Paul Scofield ments themselves ru·e only the begitming ... Synopsis: Adaptation of Shakespeare's play about the "wru1ior-king," outmunbered in a conflict with France.
DHigh Desel't Kill [1.5J Drama: Fantasy, 1990, Color, 093 minutes [PG-13: language[ Directo1~ Hru1y Falk Cast: Mru·c Singer, Anthony Geruy, Mical1 Grant, Chuck Cotmors Synopsis: Tlu·ee friends on a htmting expedition meet up with a pmfessional htmter who infonns them that all the ru·ea's game has been fiightened away. Soon the friends themselves begin to behave strangely, and they seek to un derstru1d their predicament.
OJ Come in Peace [3.0[ Drama: Action/Fru1tasy, 1990, Color, 091 minutes [R: violence, stt·ong language, brief nudity[ Directo1~ Craig R Baxley C1fhe Freshman [2.6[ Cast: Dolph Lw1dgren, Btian Benben, Betsy Brantley, Comedy: 1990, Color, 102 tninutes [PG: language[ Matthias Hues, Jay Bilas Dll-ector: Andrew Bergman Synopsis: The wru· on d.Iugs gains an inter-galactic perspec Cast: Matthew Brodetick, Mru-lon Branda, Bnmo Kirby, tive when ru1 alien dealer comes to eruth with an alien police Penelope Ann Miller, Frank Whaley man in hot pwsuit- it's up to vice cop Caine (L.mdgren) and Synopsis: A young man (Brodetick) looks forwru·d to his col his newly assigned FBI prutner to save the day. lege career and life in the big city until a relationship with a potential clime boss (Branda) tums his world up-side-down. DKlute [3.5[ Drama: Myste1y, Character Study C1fhe Gamble [1.3] 1971, Color, 114 minutes [Rj Drama/Comedy: Adventure, 1990, Color, 108 minutes IRI Directot~ Alru1 J. Pakula Director: Cru-Jo Vanzina Cast: Jane Fonda [AAj, Donald Sutherlru1d, Chru·les Cioffi, Cast: Matthew Modine, Faye Dunaway, Jennifer Beals Roy Scheider, Dorothy 1listan, Rita Gam, Jean Stapleton Synopsis: When a yow1g man (Modine) discovers that his Synopsis: An habirual callgit·l (Fonda) is the all-impmtru1t father has last evetything in a bet to a notorious womru1 key in a ptivate investigator's (Sutherland) seru·ch for a miss (Dunaway), he wagers his life against her 'vinnings. ing husband. 13 CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 DLast Exit to Brooklyn 12.41 Drama: Character Study, l990, Color, 103 minutes THECINEDEX IR: language, violence, adults situations, nudicyj Director: llli Edel Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Burt Young, Ricki Lake, •COMING SOON: Jeny Orbach In order by release date: Synopsis: Set in postWWTI Brooklyn, waterfront locals Cinema Paradiso struggle to attain their own idea of happiness against mount 06 FEBRUARY 1991 ing odds: a dock worker's strike, competitive prostitutes, I Come in Peace young hoods, and a sub-culture of social misfits. 06 FEBRUARY 1991 Olongtime Companion l3.3j Taking Care of Business 06 FEBRUARY 1991 Drama: Character Study, 1990, Color, 006 minutes Director: Norman Rene Chicago Joe and the Showgirl Cast: Stephen Caffrey, Patrick Cassidy, Brian Cousins, 07 FEBRUARY 1991 Bruce Davison, John Dossett, Mark Lamos, Dermot Days of Thunder Mulroney, Mary-Louise Parker, Michael Schoeffiing, DQuick Change 12.91 07 FEBRUARY 1991 Campbell Scott, Robert Joy Comedy: 1990, Color, 088 minutes IR: language! F!atliners Synopsis: The impact of AIDS is measured through the ex Director: Howard Franklin, Bill Murray 13 FEBRUARY 1991 perience of a small group of friends over a ten-year period Cast: Bill Murray, Geena Davis, Randy Quaid, Mr. Frost Jason Robards 13 FEBRUARY 1991 aihe Maltese Falcon 14.21 Synopsis: Pulling off an ingenious bank robber is easy. The TheWrtches Drama: Detective Myste1y difficult pa.It for the gang is trying to steal themselves out of 13 FEBRUARY 1991 1941, B&W, 100 minutes [Not Rated! New York Darkman Director: John Huston 14 FEBRUARY 1991 Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Sydney DRobocop 2 12.21 The Take Greenstreet, Ward Bond, Barton MacLane, Jerome Cowan Drama: Action, Fantasy, l990, Color IR: language, violence! 14 FEBRUARY 1991 Synopsis: Private detectives Spade (Bogart) and Archer are Director: livin Kershner Quick Change duped into a simple tail job that leads to the murder of Arch Cast: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Daniel O'Herlihy 20 FEBRUARY 1991 er. Before Spade knows it, Archer's alleged killer dies, and Synopsis: Sequel to the 1987 film In its takeover attempt of Spade is led to a web of thieves who will do anything for the Detroit, the fi1m that invented the title cyborg (prot human, Air America black bird. pa1t machine) re-programs him for ineffectiveness. At the 21 FEBRUARY 1991 Note: Huston's directing debut and Greenstreet's talkie same time, the company develops a new robocop from a Death WarTant appearance. criminal mind. 27 FEBRUARY 1991 The Court·Martial of DMo' Better Blues 13.71 DRoxanne 13.81 Jackie Robinson Drama: Character Study Comedy: Romance 28 FEBRUARY 1991 1990, Color, 129 minutes IR: adult situations, language! 1987, Color, 107 minutes lPG: adult themes! The Endless Game Director: Spike Lee Director: FI·ed Schepisi 28 FEBRUARY 1991 Cast: Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Cast: Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah, Shelley Duvall, Michael A FIQht for Jenny Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Joie Lee, Cynda Williams J. Pollard, Fred Willard 28 FEBRUARY 1991 Synopsis: The life and times of a trumpeter (Washington) Synopsis: Contemporazy Cyrano de Bergerac tale is set in State of Grace and his peers are chronicles: friends, loyalcy, business, gam modem day ski town. The erudite fire chief (Martin) must 28 FEBRUARY 1991 bling, womanizing and jazz. live without love due to one, failing; he therefore helps to \vin The Two Jakes the affection of the woman he loves for another man. 28 FEBRUARY 1991 DMr. Frost [NOT REVIEWED] Note: Remake of the 19fiJ "Cyrano de Bergerac." 1990, Colm; 092 minutes !Rl Arachnophobia Director: Philip Setbon 06 MARCH 1991 Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Alan Bates, Kathy Baker, Wild at Heart Roland Giraud 06 MARCH 1991 After Dart< My Sweet DMy Blue Heaven !3.01 07 MARCH 1991 Comedy: Character Study Pump Up the Volume 1990, Color IPG-13: language, adult themes! 13 MARCH 1991 Director: Herbert Ross White Hunter, Black Heart Cast: Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Joan Cusack, Carol Kane 13 MARCH 1991 Synopsis: Vinnie, a New York hood (Martin), is placed in Dreams the federal witness protection program. Relocated to subur 20 MARCH 1991 bia, Vinnie has a tough time readjusting, but he just might be Buried Alive able to teach a few things to the FBI agent assigned to his 21 MARCH 1991 case (Moranis). Henry and June 21 MARCH 1991 DNavy Seals II.Sj Drama: Action Narrow Margin l990, Color, 113 minutes IR: Violence, language] 21 MARCH 1991 Director: Lewis Teague White Palace Cast: Michael Biehn, Charlie Sheen, Joanne Walley-Kilmer, 21 MARCH 1991 Rick Rossovich, Bill Paxton Presumed Innocent Synopsis: The title special task force discovers stolen U.S. 27 MARCH 1991 missiles during a rescue operation. Despite administrative Funny About Love flack, they undertake tracking down the missiles and de 28 MARCH 1991 stroying them. The Hot Spot 28 MARCH 1991 DProblem Child 11.71 Sibling Rivalry Comedy: 1990, Color, 081 minutes lPG] 11 APRIL 1991 Director: Dennis Dugan Cast: John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck, Michael Oliver, Michael Richards, Gilbe1t Gottfried, Jack Warden Synopsis: A childless couple adopts a 7-year-old who turns 14 out to be their worst nightmare. Does the orphanage have a CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 return policy? DSabrina 13.81 OI'aking Care of Business 12.01 Comedy: Romance, 1954, B&W, 113 minutes [Not Rated! Comedy: 1990, Color, 108 minutes Director: Billy Wilder IR: language, adult themes & situations! THECINEDEX Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden, Director: Arthur Hiller Walter Hampden, John Williams, Martha Hyer, Joan Vohs, Cast: James Belushi, Charles Grodin, Anne DeSalvo, Loryn Marcel Dalio, Francis X. Bushman, Nancy Kulp Locklin, Stephen Elliott, Hector Elizondo, Veronica Hamel, Synopsis: The chauffeur's daughter is romanced by the rich Mako, Gates McFadden family's eldest son to keep her from his playboy kid brother. Synopsis: High-powered exec Spencer (Grodin) loses his credit cards and other data, which is found by con-on-the-run DScarface 14.21 Jimmy (Belushi). Parallel adventures then follow: Jimmy haS Drama: 1983, Color, 170 minutes the best of fortune, and Spencer has a real losing sll-eak. IR: adult themes, situations, violence, language! Director: Brian De Palma []The Thin Man 14.0[ Cast: AI Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Comedy/Drama: Detective Mystery, Romance Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robett Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. 1934, B&W, 000 minutes [Not Rated! Munay Abraham, Paul Shenar Director: W.S. Van Dyke Synopsis: Contemporruy remake of 1932 film: a Cuban refu· Cast: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, gee settles in Miami where he begins his meteoric and violent Nat Pendleton career in drug trafficking. Synopsis: A retired p1ivate detective (Powell), spending Note: The 1932 original starred Fbul Muni and UXUl di· Christmas in New York, is pressured into solving a murder rected by Howard Hawks for Howard Hughes. mystery by the press, the police, the suspects, and even his own wife. DShort Time 12.91 Note: Followed by "After the Thin Man" (1936), "Another Comedy: Character Study, 1990, Colm; 100 minutes [PG-131 Thin Man" (1939), "Shadow of the Thin Man" (1941), Director: Gregg Champion "The Thin Man Goes Home" (1944), and "Song of the Thin Cast: Dabney Coleman, Matt Frewer, Teri Garr, Bany Man" (1947). Corbin, Joe Pantoliano Synopsis: When a cop with less than a week to retirement erne Me Up! Tie Me Down! [3.01 (when his police insurance will also expire) is diagnosed with Black Comedy: 1990, Color, 105 minutes INC·l71 a fatal disease, he suddenly becomes very heroic. Director: Pedro Almodovar Cast: Antonio Banderas, Victoria Abril OSome Like It Hot j3.6j Synopsis: A newly released mental patient courts the love Comedy: Screwball, Romance of his life (a pornographic film queen) by kidnapping her. 1959, B&W, 122 minutes !Not Rated! Direct01~ Billy Wilder Cflbm Apart 12.01 Cast: Jack Lemmon, Tony Cwtis, Marilyn Moruue, George Drama: Romance, Social Commentary Raft, Nesimiah Pe~hoff, Mike Mazurki 1990, Color, 095 minutes IRl Synopsis: 1\vo musicians witness the 1920s gangland Di.t-ector: Jack Fisher slaughtet; the St Valentines Day Massacre. With the hoods Cast: Adrian Pasdar, Cecilia Peck, Makram Khowy, Arnon on their trail, they disguise themselves as women and join a Zadok, Margrit Polak, Michael Mmim, Amos Lavi, Harma female band headed for a Florida resort Azulai, Bany Ptimus Note: Oscar for Best Costumes went to Orry-Kelly. Synopsis: An Israeli and Arab fall in love in this Romeo and Juliet tale where the parents are really entire cultures at war. OA Star is Born 13.91 Drama: Romance []The Two Jakes 12.11 1937, Color, 111 minutes [Not Rated! Drama: Detective Mystety Director: William Wellman 1990, Color, 128 minutes Cast: Janet Gaynor, Fredric March, Adolphe Menjou, Andy IR: language, violence, adult situations! Devine, Lionel Stander Director: Jack Nicholson Synopsis: A naive, young woman seeks fame and fmtune in Cast: Jack Nicholson, Hazvey Keitel, Meg Tilly, Madeleine Hollywood. She finally realizes her hopes and fears when she Stowe, Eli Wallach, Peny Lopez, David Keith meets and falls in love with a major box office star who is also Synopsis: A sequel to "Chinatown," set in late 1940s Los a self-destructive alcoholic. Angeles. When gumshoe Gittes (Nicholson) leads his client Note: Academy Award wil'lller for Best Original Story to the adulterous wife, an unexpected shooting reveals a (Carson and Wellman), and Best Cinematography (w. mystery of shady real estate deals, mineral rights, and pre· Howard Greene) for this early Technicolor film meditated murder. Note: Preceded by "Chinatown" {1974]. OState of Grace 12.81 Drama: Social Commentruy, Character Study OThe Witches 12.81 1990, Color, 134 minutes Drama, 1990, Color, 092 minutes IPGI IR: violence, strong language, nudity, adult themes! Di.t'eetor: Nicolas Roeg Di.t-ector: Phil Joanou Cast: Jasen Fisher, Mai Zetterling, Anjelica Huston, Rowan Cast: Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, Ed Hanis, Robin Wright, Atkinson, Bill Paterson, Brenda Blethyn, Charlie Potter John Turturm Synopsis: A grandmother's advise regarding evil witches Synopsis: Teny Noonan left New York's Hell's Kitchen turns out to be a timely warning. ye~ ago, \vithout explanation, \vithout goodbyes. Now he's back, and taking up with the friends who have become pow· OYoung Guns II 12.41 erful, and the girlfriend who disdains his criminal way of life. Drama: Western 1990, Color IPG-13: violence, language! OThe Take [NOT REVIEWED! Director: Geoff Mw-phy Drama: 1990, Color, 100 minutes Cast: Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Director: Leon Ichaso Phillips, Christian Slater, William Pete~en Cast: Ray Sharkey, Lisa Hartman, Lany Manetti, R Lee Synopsis: This sequel finds the Billy the Kid-Arkansas Ermey, Joe Lala, Julio Mechoso Dave gang thinking of going straight Unfortunately, powe~ Note: Originally made for cable television. in the Southwest hire the kid's friend, Pat Ganett, to hunt him down.
THE END 15 CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY 1991 & x office success notwithstanding, the sequels THE RETURN OF aren't up to the original, a unique combination of so THE DETECTIVE phisticated comedy (approaching screwball) and murder mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy are · l11e Febn1ary video release of The Two Jakes is a magic together: he's d1e retired detective looking af ck Nicholson rl!rurns as . continuation of one of the finest themes in the cine Ja . JJ Gitn:s m ter his wife's filthy rich inheritance (and Asta the private invcsogator .. ma. The detective film can only be considered a dog), and is practically forced into investigating the "11 e Two JakDonald Sutherland, the film focuses on an habitu d1e book by Dashiell Hammett, the murder mystery al callgirl Qane Fonda) who may be the only link to a is simple yet intriguing, revolving around a colorful psychotic killer. ll1e film further abando~ tradition cast of characters, and a history of mythic propor of the d1eme by going from the penthouse to the tions. In the center is Humphrey Bogart as Sam street, so to speak, as d1e search introduces us to Spade, looking to get d1at one, elusive step ahead in a pimps and junkies. fast-paced case. The strength of the film is its nearly Our final recommendation is Chinatown [Roman absolute focus on Bogart. Scripted and directed by Polanski, 1974], a superb homage to d1e detective Huston, only one scene rakes place without the char the~ne. Robert Towne's Oscar-winning screenplay is a acter of Spade. l11is puts us fully in his comer as he masterful achievement of plot, characters and dia tries to get to d1e trud1. logue, brilliandy delivered by director and cast. The Bogart scored again in The Big Sleep [Howard story is set in 1930s Los Angeles: Jack Nicholson is Hawks, 1946), this time as Raymond Chandler's im private investigator J.J. Gittes, who winds up in the mortal shamus, Philip Marlowe. You may want to middle of a murder case by accident (shades of TI1e keep a scorecard handy for this one-there's a lot of Maltese Falcon). Like S~de, Gittes seems perpetually characters and a lot murders. Like S~de in TI1e Mal one step behind, always struggling to live up to his tese Falcon, Marlowe is his own man, trying to. retain own ideals. his code of ed1ics Oustice) despite those who sur • Editor's note: We should mention that some of round him. these have more than detective stories in common. The 111i.n Mm [W.S. Van Dyke, 1934] remains The Maltese Falcon and Chinatown, for example, are l unprecedented to d1is day. Another fi lm taken from consummate examples of film noir-but that's Hammett, it began one of the most successful movie another theme. series of all times, and d1e only mystery series to retain 16 its "A" status (from Boston Blackie to Charlie Chan, CINEGUIDEFEBRUARY1991 all the rest were B-movies). THE END