11
Wednesday, February 9, 1977
Reviewer
By CHUCK SACK
'Rocky' a cut above the usual tear-jerker
"Rocky" is that rarest of movies—a sentimental tale that is greatly affecting without resorting to gross emotional manipulation.
The credit for this must go to Sylvester Stallone, a previously obscure actor who not only plays the title role, but also wrote the screenplay. He has created one of the most satisfying entertainments you're likely to see for quite a while.
The Cinderella story centers on Rocky Balboa (Stata), a young unemployed rocker who becomes Philadelphia's circuit. When Rocky wins a match, usually through raw power, he can expect a purse of
Review
$40.5 after taxes, deductions and locker money. If he loses, which is as often as he faces a disciplined opponent, his share falls off to $17.50. And because his bouts are rare, Rocky puts his muscle to work collecting money for a small-time gangster.
There is Paule (Burt Young), Rocky's dall best friend whose one desire is to become a bone-breaking foroon for Rocky's gangster employer. Paulie's sister, Adrian (Talia Shire), is the homely wallflower with whom Rocky falls in love. Finally, there is Mickey (Burgess Merideth), the 73-year-manager of the gym where Rocky trains.
EVEN WITH all the gritty detail that director John G. Avildsen can muster, "Rocky" is a fantasy. Apollo Creed (Carl Weather), the world heavyweight champion, decides to kill the land of opportunity by unknown an enemy. By a quirk of fate, it is Rocky Balboa, the "Italian Stallion," whom Creed selects as his challenger.
The champion and his retinue of promoters are cardboard villains, mercifully relegated to the sub-plot. But in description Rocky's small band of supporters sound like stereotyped second bananas, too.
A WRITER, Stallone doesn't show any flair for brilliant dialogue, or for creating situations ripe with overtones. But he has a sure sense of light, natural street humor, and a witty sense of humor, overwhelming aura of frustration that is the key to Adrian, Pauline, Mickey and Rocky.
These characters feel trapped by their inadequacies and lack of luck, yet they all dream of that day when they will be able to overcome these obstacles. Sylvester Shure deliver wonderful performances, giving substance to their finely written parts through careful nuance. But even with a strong supporting cast, "Rocky" depends on the acting of Sylvester Stallone for its success.
WHEN ROCKY'S shot at the title comes, Paulse and Mickie recognize what it means being best in the sport. "Everyday we every way she can, her brother scramble to cash in on Rocky's name,
using the hulking boxer as a billboard to advertise the meat packing plant where he works. Mickey, long disaffair of Rocky's brute force, seizes the chance to showcase his 50 years' experience by becoming Rocky's trainer.
The explosion that follows Mickey's offer to be Rocky's trainer is the crucial point in determining whether the man seems to be an easy-going loser, an oaf who has become accustomed to his loss. Suddenly his suppressed rage fills the screen and he becomes a villain, bitterness at the old man for his neglect.
THE DIALOGUE is primitive and halting, punctuated by punches thrown against a door that are Rocky's only way to get out. When he scene concludes with the obligatory soapy recompilation with the music swelling inappropriately to confirm that, yes, this is a tender moment. "Rocky" crumples over these occasional lapses because Stallone has his writing and acting with honest emotion instead of cynical manipulation.
"rocky," despite excellent acting of a simple story, is much greater than the sum of its parts. From the opening scenes of Rocky talking to his pets to the brutal murder of his friend, it never loses its sense of compassion. And, for once, it is compassion born of knowing failure so long that you desire success for anyone, because it gives you hope.
Quota rule fails to pass
A bill to eliminate alleged University of Kansas domination of the Board of Regents died Monday in a Kansas Senate committee.
The bill, introduced by State Sen. Donn Everett, R-Manhattan, would have required that Regents' membership be controlled so that the institution could serve on the board.
The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, by a 5-4 vote, failed to favor the bill and amendments that could increase the size of the graduate from any one institution also failed.
Everett has said the fact that seven of the nine current Regenta he has KU degree institutes are still in training.
However, the committee voted to introduce a resolution asking the governor to consider where a prospective Regent went before he made appointments of Regents.
Gov. Robert Bennett is expected to announce soon whether he will reappoint Regents Jes Shwart and Paul Wumph, both PhD and MA graduates. Their terms expire Jan. 1.
Everett said that he knew his bill was unrealistic and had little chance of passing, but he introduced the bill so the issue of KU domination could be made public.
Artists offer Hashinger classes
Students who live in KU residence halls will have a chance this month to visit with and learn from working artists who will teach and teach at教研学院 at Hashinger Hall.
Anita Kapau, a Lawrence artist, will
leave classes tonight, Feb. 14-18.
and 21-23.
Lorey I Hirschman and Jeffrey Hessing, Boston artists, will teach classes in drawing Tuesday and Thursdays in February under the program, which is sponsored by a grant from the Pearson Cultural Enrichment Committee.
According to Anne Abrams, Hashinger program coordinator, students have enjoyment.
Hirschnan and Hissing, who will live in a guest apartment in Hashinger, will be the first professional artists to live in the hall while teaching. Students will be able to drop in and talk with them and the artists possibly will take students on field trips to
the Nelson Art Gallery-Akins Museum in Kansas City and other area attractions.
"Students don't have to worry about grades, so they like to come to classes,"
Hashinger has previously offered guest artist classes in stained glass, bluegrass music, tap dancing, modern dance, photography, pottery and watercolors.
Abrams encouraged residents of other halls to come to the art classes.
Hashinger is planning a panel discussion for late February in which Hirschman, Thomas Ahrams and artists will discuss the merits and disadvantages of a career in the arts.
winteriness has slowed with oncoming warm weather, Mount Bleu ski area experienced a booming season thanks to cold weather and plenty of snow.
Successful slope
Black awareness activities begin
Activities and programs planned for KU's annual Black Awareness Week, Feb. 7-13.
The dean of women's office is working with black staff members in residence halls to stage a week of activities open to the public.
The programs began last night with a slide presentation, "Black Values and Public Policy," produced in Oliver Hall by the African Studies department. Students also read poetry and prose and performed songs.
McColm Hall will sponsor a lecture entitled "Myths in the African Past," by Thomas Lewin, professor of African studies, at 8 tomorrow night. "Lost, Stolen, and Strayed," a film, will follow Lewin's speech.
A soul food dinner will be served Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the Ellsworth Hall cafeteria to culminate the week of events. Dinner reservations can be made through the following resident assistants in residence halls: Edward King, Sharron Parker, Bonta Gocken and Ken James.
A Kansas City, Mo., dance troupe, "Black Exodus," will perform at Friday night in the Lewis Hall cafeteria. A disco dance will begin at 10 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Funding for Black Awareness Week is provided by the Pearson Trust Fund, which funds cultural activities in residence halls.
An independent group of minority students,
sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs,
also plans to present a revue of black music,
and interpretive readings Fcch 20 at Lewis.
The last four years, Black Awareness Week has been a project of the Black Caucus of Women's Affairs at the Women's office and the Office of Minority Affairs in sponsoring the week.
Rolling Kansas plains conceal skiing haven
If you didn't get enough skiing in during Christmas break or if spring break seems just a little too far away, you can still enjoy the slopes. Bleu, five miles southeast of Lawrence.
Mont Bleu, which has been operating about 10 years, has experienced a 25 percent increase in business this year over last year. And even though the mountain isn't well-known as a ski resort, it's the closest resort around.
"Our greatest amount of customers are students," Jim Chim, Mont Blenie employee said. "But we also get a lot of people from Kansas City and Topika."
Skiing lessons are offered every day by the staff. Beginning lessons teach the
If you are a beginner and want to find out whether you like skipping, Mont Bleu may be the right place for you. Without having to travel or to travel to Colorado you can learn to skip.
basics, such as how to use a rope tow, snow plowing and skiing turns. Lumbercoat cost $25 per hour.
Despite unpredictable Kansas weather, asking is continually offered because much of the weather is predictable.
Mont Bleu is open throughout the week and on weekends from 3 to 10 p.m. On Sundays, there are $2 for rentals and $3 for a tour. During the week the cost is $4 for rentals and $7.5 for a tow.
Artificial snow is made by mixing air and water in a large compression system and forcing the mixture out, at low temperature of about 20 degrees under low humidity.
A ski lift may possibly be installed next year.
So if you are tired of your nose bleeding, ears popping and car sputtering on the high Colorado peaks, stick to Mont Bleu, elevation 625 feet.
SPEED READING CLASS TO BE TAUGHT IN LAWRENCE
This famous course has taught many thousands of people to read over 1000 words per minute with the ability to understand and retain what they have read much more effectively. Average graduates can read most novels in less than one hour.
The United States Reading Lab Mid-West Division is offering their famous speed reading course to a limited number of qualified people. The course averages average person who completes this course can read 10 times per week with substantially improved comprehension and better concentration.
For complete details about this famous speed reading course be sure to attend one of the free one hour orientation lectures that have been scheduled. These lectures are open to the public, above all students. In addition, there is a possible.) and the course will be explained in complete detail, including class schedules, instruction procedures and a tuition that is much less than similar courses.
These meetings will be held on campus at the Lutheran Student Center, 15th and Iowa, on Wed., Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and again at 3:00 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and TWO FINAL MEETINGS, Tues., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Classes are limited and class places will be filled on first come-first serve basis only. Be sure to attend the earliest meeting possible to ensure a class place. Group classes may be held on alternate days.
Downtown Lawrence