THE NEW—AND OLD—WOODY ALLEN
Woody Allen, the first major writer-director since Chaplin to be the subject of a regular comic strip, has come a long way since his nightclub days—and yet has always remained, recognizably, Woody. Michael Dempsey charts the development of Allen’s persona, and artistry, from Take the Money and Run through Annie Hall. And Richard Corliss considers Allen’s latest and most impressive romantic comedy, Manhattan.
BOB (LINCOLN CENTER) HOPE
Bob Hope has won so many honorary awards that he’s donated his spare trophies to King Tut. But seriously, Hope is this year’s recipient of the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s annual tribute. Dick Cavett pays eloquent tribute, too. And everything Bob would ever wanna tell ya is in the interview with Brooks Riley. Hey, in that great?
MOVIES IN THE NEWS
These days, movies are the story on page 1. Some theaters showing The Deer Hunter have been turned into free-fire zones (Richard Corliss). A nuclear reactor has brought The China Syndrome to life (Richard T. Jameson). And The Warriors has provided the backdrop—if not the excuse—for some tragic violence (Elliott Stein). Real-life, reel-life, read all about.
MIDSECTION: TELETHON
So what’s a story on the 1976 Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association doing in FILM COMMENT? Well, for one thing, movies are showbiz, and though Jerry Lewis isn't the movie star he used to be, his Telethon is show business (accent on both words) in a 21-hour nutshell. For another, it serves as a sneak preview of our July-August issue, devoted entirely to TV. Finally, Harry Shearer has produced a marvelous piece of writing and reporting, and we’re proud to publish it.
JOURNAL
Paris this spring is great for tourism, bad for movies. By David Overbey.
MICHAEL POWELL
The British cinema’s grand eccentric—the director of The Red Shoes and Peeping Tom—is finally receiving his due. Harlan Kennedy and Nigel Andrews look at his career.
CANBY’S GUILTY PLEASURES
The Times film critic examines some treasures from his childhood attic.
GEORGE ROMERO
Ten years ago, he came out of nowhere (well, Pittsburgh) with Night of the Living Dead. And now: Comes the Dawn. An interview by Dan Yakir.
BUTS & REBUTS
Last issue, David Thomson took some potshots at Alfred Hitchcock. Now David Lubin defends the Master’s past, and Joseph McBride speculates on his future.
TELEVISION
Daniel Menaker on star quality, small-screen size.
INDUSTRY
What Franco Brusati had to do for a little Bread & Chocolate. By Dan Yakir.
INDEPENDENTS
Amos Vogel on a treasure from Iran.
BOOKS
Garrett Stewart screens Mindscreen.
BACK TALK
An auteur in jail. By Todd McCarthy.
BULLETIN BOARD
