KANSAN REVIEWS DIRTY FILMS: And Kansas
By RICHARD GEARY
Kansan Reviewer
In Topeka last Friday, the state senate's special judiciary subcommittee on pornography met to consider legislation to regulate the distribution and exhibition of obscene motion pictures.
Unfortunately, the senators came with the idea that something restrictive had to be done—and the meeting proceeded from there. Two guests were present. One of them, the assistant Johnson County attorney, told of his trouble seizing "I am Curious (Yellow)," and the other, the Wyandotte County attorney, presented a 40-minute film, produced by a group called Citizens for Decent Literature, attacking the Supreme Court, with Abe Fortas singled out, and containing clips and pictures from the various films and magazines under condemnation.
After lunch, the group adjourned to the Gage-4 theatre for the special showing of a film in question—a real hard-core article. This particular movie raised an interesting legal problem because it had been shown in Kansas City at a large drive-in theatre, the screen of which was clearly visible for a great distance. Its title was "Eat, Drink, and Make Merrie" and was about—you guessed it—a girl named Merrie and her younger sister, who live in an apartment house where the tenants swap mates and make love 24 hours a day.
The movie was perversely hilarious not because it was terrible film-making (which it was, of course) but because it was don't-give-a-dam film-making. Those involved obviously didn't care if the picture was awful, and neither do the audiences at which it is aimed. The senators could see through the slipshod production, even though during the scene where the sister finally disrobed, they snickered self-consciously to hide the fact that they were really caught up in it.
Back in the committee room, everyone agreed that what they had just seen was, "not good enough to be called bad," and sat down to decide what to do about the problem. Various suggestions were under discussion: increase the penalties for exhibitors showing to minors; declare obscene material a "public nuisance" as a basis for legal action; provide for immediate hearings to decide the seizure of "dangerous" films; even the outright banning of all X-rated movies coming to town.
They tossed around everything except what is vital.
Are obscenity laws necessary at all; wouldn't a study to see if these films actually harm community morality be more valuable? How moral are laws telling an adult what he may read and see?
When the meeting broke up, the only definite decision the senators had made was to wait until their next meeting to decide anything definite.
If the opening shows of KU's theater season exemplify what's to come, then audiences have many thrilling experiences in store.
OPERETTA: Strauss thrilling
By GENELLE RICHARDS
Kansan Staff Writer
have many thrilling experiences in store. "Die Fleddermaus" by Johann Strauss is just that—thrilling. As the overture begins, the audience immediately falls into the mood of Strauss and Vienna.
The University Little Symphony performs the light, gay, beautiful music to absolute perfection.
All of the principal characters were very good, displaying an ability to act and sing without either overpowering the other.
Especially good in that respect, Suzanne Jouvenat as Adele gives an excellent characterization of a chambermaid of that era. Along with her, James Asbury, Carolyn Weber, Steve Robinson and John Wolfe give convincing characterizations.
The fact that a soprano sings the part of Prince Orlofsky does not distract from the production, for Audrey Cohen takes on enough masculine characteristics to form a real prince.
But Art Sloan as Frosch steals the show. He excellently portrays a drunken jailer to the point of reality. He demonstrates talent that makes his portrayal natural and not just acting.
THE LUCKY ONES
If anything in the operetta lacks perfection it might be the chorus. Some of the chorus members demonstrate a talent in acting while others don't. But all of their voices are magnificent
A delightful script aids in making the production good. Lines poking fun at 19th Century Vienna along with other comic bits make a light, entertaining plot.
Everything about the operetta sparkles—especially when the orchestra begins to play one of Strauss's magnificent waltzes; the University Theatre seems to light up. For beautiful voices, a superb orchestra, authentic sets and costumes, delightful script and music all combine to make "Die Fledermaus" excellent
Next performances of "Die Fledermaus" will be Thursday and Friday.
SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) Some people have all the luck. For instance, about 10 per cent of all the fishermen in the United States catch more than 60 per cent of the fish, according to the National Automobile Club.
BOOKS
BRIDE OF MOAT HOUSE, by Norah Lofts (Dell, 60 cents);
PROMINENT AMERICAN GHOSTS, by Susy Smith (Dell,
60 cents)—The first is a Gothic thriller, as is fairly obvious from that title. Pretty silly, and lots of fun, with old castles and all that.
And if you don't see why "Prominent American Ghosts" occupies a place alongside this one you haven't read any Gothics.
And even if you don't believe in ghosts you might have a few uneasy feelings while reading this one.
A GUN FOR JOHNNY DEER,
by Wayne D. Overhaler (Dell,
50 cents)—A western, of course,
about a guy framed for murder
who becomes a marked man and
has to fight the whole territory to establish his innocence.
Nov. 3
1969 KANSAN 5
PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW, by Francis Pollini (Dell, 95 cents)—A sexed novel set in one Sawyerville High School, its hero a football coach, guidance counselor, drama instructor, its heroes the stupid little dames who have their eyes on him. Murder and sex are the result. This one will have a few readers.
SATURDAY, NOV. 8
AKENA 8:50 p.m.
Municipal Auditorium
Kansas City, Mo.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
at Auditorium Box Office
$2.50, 3, 3.50, 4, 5
Mail Orders: Send self-addressed
stamped-envelope with cashiers
check or money order to Aud.
Box Office.
ARENA 8:30 p.m.
Exclusively on Warner Brothers Records
SUA invites you to the 1969 Homecoming Concert featuring Steppenwolf and The Turtles on November 8 at Allen Field House
Tickets: 3.50 - 3:00.-2.50
Available at:
SUA Office, Kansas Union
Richardson's Music Co.
Bell's
The Sound
Information Booth
Patronize Kansan Advertisers
CHUCK WAGON SPECIALS Self Service Style Bring Coupon
ALL NEW
OPEN DAILY
11:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M.
LIMITED TIME ONLY
99c
CHOPPED SIRLOIN STEAK CHICKEN GENUINE ITALIAN SPAGHETTI RANDY'S RANCH
Char-Broiled U.S. Choice Steaks 1811 WEST 6th STREET LAWRENCE, KS.