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Show A&E A&E Editor: Jake Christensen Phone: 626-7105 Utah's favorite outlaw charms new generation By Jake Christensen a&e editor The Signpost At a time when crimes against the nation's economy are being soundly condemned, one famous outlaw still garners nostalgic sentiment from the public. Though he robbed banks and trains at gunpoint, he is spoken of with fondness. He was one of Utah's own. He was Robert LeRoy Parker, a.k.a. Butch Cassidy. On Pioneer Day, more than 100 people crowded into a modestly sized room in the Eccles Conference Center to hear a lecture on Cassidy. When seating ran out, people stood in the hall to hear Lee Nelson, author of "Cassidy,"a biographical novel about the famed outlaw. Nelson is perhaps best known by Utah readers for his five-volume series, "The Storm Testament." On this occasion he shared eyewitness experiences and original research he has collected about Cassidy. i ; , Part of the day's activities included signing copies of his novel "Cassidy." After his lecture was finished, Nelson continued to sign books and answer questions about the legendary bank robber from southern Utah. Nelson,-who has written more than 25 books, said he had the most fun researching his novel about Cassidy. Though he spends much of his time outdoors living a cowboy existence, he loves researching indoors as well. New Releases Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat (R) Martin Lawrence writes and stars in this one-man standup comedy film. This is his second feature-length standup endeavor. His first was 1994's "Martin Lawrence: You So Crazy." Expect Lawrence's trademark brand of in-your-face comedy, graphic language andno-holds-barred delivery as he discusses things that would make Dr. Ruth blush. David Hubbard, who most recently helmed 2000's "Whatever It Takes," directs. The Master of Disguise (PG) Dana Carvey headlines this adventure comedy. He also co-wrote the script that tells the story of Pistachio Disguisey (Carvey), an Italian waiter bom into a family with a long line of masters of disguise. As Disguisey develops his inherited ability to adopt new identities, he attempts to track down his father's archenemy. Devlin Bowman, played by Brent Spincr. Carvey, who has not appeared on the big screen since 2000's "Little Nickey," should be easy to spot. He's the bald guy in the "Cassidy had the trust of the deputies. He kept his word. He was known for doing that." Lee Nelson Author of "Cassidy" "I have as much fun at the library as I do roping steers," Nelson said. Nelson also pointed out that because Cassidy was a Utah native, there is an abundance of stories about him, many only two generations old. Nelson painted a portrait of Cassidy as a likable criminal. "People knew that he robbed banks and trains," Nelson said. Nevertheless, they did not consider him a "bad guy." According to Nelson, Cassidy rose to prominence in an area where crime and criminals were prevalent. "There were a lot of outlaws in eastern Utah during this time," Nelson said. Nelson attributed Cassidy's success to his cleverness, intelligence and planning. Apparently, he was so good at planning robberies he annoyed members of his gang who grew impatient with the lag time between jobs. Nelson also credited Cassidy's success to his ability to outrun a posse . "He was a master of the relay," Nelson said. Cassidy would set out relay horses about every 10 miles from where the robbery was to take place. That way he could ride a horse hard for 10 -Movies- --j it i " S 1 1- Mel Gibson and director M. Night Shyamalan chat behind the scenes of "Signs," a new film from Touchstone Pictures. tacky green suit, the nerdy guy in the tacky felt jacket, the middle-aged guy with the pencil-thin mustache and so on. The film also stars Jennifer Esposito, Harold Gould and James Brolin. Perry Andeline Blake, who has served as production designer for many of Adam Sandler's big-budget comedy's makes his directorial debut. Signs (PG-13) Writer, director and producer M. Night Shyamalan brings to the screen a suspenseful tale of mystery, intrigue and corn. This time Shyamalan teams with Mel Gibson miles, then get onto a fresh horse and continue without a break. Cassidy would go incredible distances to avoid capture. On one occasion he went all the way to Michigan. Nelson stated that there is no record of Cassidy having killed anyone in the United States. Even in one instance where a guard pushed Cassidy during a robbery, Cassidy refused to respond violently. On one occasion Cassidy promised his horse to a young boy he had befriended prior to doing a job. True to his word, after escaping capture Cassidy sent the horse back with a note saying it belonged to the child. Nelson spoke at length about Cassidy's behavior during a prison term in Wyoming. "He was a model prisoner," Nelson said. "Cassidy had the trust of the deputies. He kept his word. He was known for doing that." Faced with an overcrowded prison, the governor of Wyoming pardoned Cassidy on the basis of a handshake and Cassidy's word that he would go straight once out of jail. Cassidy refused to make that promise, but negotiated his pardon by swearing never to steal cattle in Wyoming. A - 4 'A : to tell his latest story of everyday people facing the supernatural. A Pennsylvania family tries to discover the origin of crop circles, large designs inexplicably carved into cornfields. One of these designs appears in their own crop, and similar designs appear in crop fields all over the globe. Without getting too corny, Gibson's character must lend an ear to his family if he is to discover a kernel of truth revealing exactly who stalks cobs. The film also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Cherry Jones, Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin. Movie information provided bv Yahoo .com . LWIDLCCLLS Gnu mm! C'-Mtr Lee Nelson congratulates nine year-old Austin Jamieson, who won a trip, via horseback, to see one of Butch Cassidy's hideouts. Nelson asked the audience if any of them could imagine a pardon occurring today based solely on a prisoner giving his word and shaking the governor's hand. When Nelson concluded his remarks, he held a free drawing for two people to join him on an upcoming trail ride to Cassidy's hideout. When the winner's name was called, he turned out to be a 9-year-old boy. in the audience. Nelson asked the boy if he had ever VOUR Matter of Business Administration degree program designed for working professional ' All courses taught In the evenings Conveniently located at WSU Davis Campus - Fully accredited by AACSS CMAT and bachelor's degree In any field required Apply now for the january, 2003 starting date, in advance of the November 2002 application deadline, we encourage you to Isam about the application process aK one of the following information jeisiens; AM sessions will b at the WSU-Davls Campus 915 W. 1000 No., laytoo, Utah Wednesday, June 26 6 p.m. Rm. 118 Saturday, July 13 10 a.m. Rm. 120 Wednesday, July 31 6 p.m. Rm. 118 For information,, call 626-7545 or Click on goddard.vveber.edudpmba Weber State University John ii Godimrd STHUfX. l'5F Business & Economics Changing Minds V 2 i 3 ridden a horse, and the boy shook his head no. In a Cassidy-like gesture, Nelson offered the boy one of his own horses that would be well-suited for the youngster. Nelson promised to provide the horse, and suggested that the boy have his parents join them on the trail; With a handshake and a promise the deal was struck, and Cassidy's likable legacy charmed a new generation. You can reach reporter Jake Christensen by calling 626-7105. CAREECI? MbAMMMI 9l A . mci'- ware 4t 1 |