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Show Friday, October 1, 1902 Sun Advocate 6 scene cinema Steve by Heide 'Fast Times' falls flat Now I know what they mean when they say Too many cooks can spoil the broth. They are talking about the recipe. Every chef has his own special ingredient that he feels make his coq a vine the best. But if one cooks secret is vinegar, and the others is honey, the results can be a badly blended mess. Such is the case with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the new film now showing at the Price. As with that famous broth, too many ideas have clouded the continuity of the film. The writers, directors and producers try to make a successful stew with a smidgen of American Graffitti, a dash of Saturday Night Fever and a generous portion of Porkys. But someone forgot the spices, as their offering ends up bland and tasteless. Despite its title, the movie is exnot your typical drive-i- n ploitation film. It tries hard to be good, and there are some very funny moments in the film, as the unknown cast of youngsters plows their way through a condensed year at Ridgemont High. But like some mischievous child, the moment our backs are turned, this film starts acting up. Fast Times at Ridgemont High begins to lose its direction about halfway through, and never recovers. What could have been good, heartfelt scenes become only acting exercises, and the director goes for the funny bone at the expense of some potentially fine dramatic segments. We watch as one lead character becomes involved in a quick love affair, finds herself pregnant, and confronts her boyfriend with the news. But instead of developing this drama, emotion-fille- d the filmmaker quickly runs through the motions, moving on to such memorable scenes as stoned beachies falling out of a smoke-fille- d van, and the antics of an d restaurant crew. inept A note to those thinking of fast-foo- another making pain of growing up in high school film. The reason for the success behind American Graffitti was not its focus on the laughs, but on the fears and uncertainty to be found after graduation. The characters were developed beyond their pranks, and we found out the reasons they needed to blow off steam. Most of the films in the same genre have forgotten this, and they have suffered for it. As for Fast Times at Ridgemont High, watching this movie was like eating a Chinese dinner an hour later, I was ready for another film. Films around town Rating system: Dont miss this one average cinema Above Worth a viewing Something to do if bored Dont bother A good Sixpack (PG) first film for Kenny Rogers. At King Coal I. Zapped (R) Unseen at press time. At King Coal II. The World According to Garp Mork plays Garp, (R) and everyone gets lost. Starts Friday at King Coal III. Clint Firefox (PG) Eastwood made this one for a few dollars more... At The Motor-V- u. Arthur (PG) This is one of the funniest movies ever made. At The Motor-Vu. (SDQEIGB After a year's hiatus, former Sunn Recording artist Don Hinton is back on the road with his show that includes impressions of Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Jerry Lee Lewis. Road to stardom filled with detours By STEVE HEIDE Staff Writer He had just driven 1,100 miles, unpacked and supervised the back-u- p e setup of his band. Now, as show time approaches, he stands in the wings, his nerves taut, expectant. He has done this a thousand times before, yet he has never done it for this is a new town, a new place, and a whole new crowd of unknown faces. The music builds, the crowd waits, and with a short introduction and a few deep breaths, he steps out on stage, and plays this show as if it were his first, and last, and hopefully, best. He is Don Hinton singer, musician, Elvis impersonator and entertainer. A veteran of a business that is notorious for destroying the very talent that creates it, four-piec- as an opening act, making two more records, living the on the road grind that day-to-d- ay makes up 99 percent of a musicians time. The people in the audience dont see the work that goes into that 45 minutes on stage, Hinton said, relaxing after his first show. To keep a band on the road, you have to be a producer, manager, mother roadie, electrician and banker. Add to all this the hours spent rehearsing, and it adds up hen, to be a lot of work. Has he ever considered some other more secure profession? There have been times, the heard Elvis, and that was it for me. 7 23-ye- ar Each plus tax 8V2xllin. Blue Paper Pink or ! 8V2X14 11x17 m. in- - Hinton has survived and thrived. The versatile performer and his talented group are in town this week at the Hollow Bottle, and I stopped by Wednesday night to catch the show and talk to Hinton. The Missouri native started like many musicians, studying classical music for two years on the violin. Then, I heard Elvis, and that was it for me, Hinton I knew then what I said. wanted to do. Blue Paper White Paper Hintons or 14x18 White Paper You can copy church bulletins, maps, programs, flyers, handbills, canceled checks, books, oversized pages and more. 76 dream quickly became a reality almost. He came to the attention of Sunn Records, the famous label whose roster of stars included Carl Perkins, Carl Mann, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Right out of high school, the young singer found himself cutting a record with such sidemen as Charlie Rich on keyboards. That fleeting lady of fortune seemed to be just around the corner. But something didn't happen. The fickle lady picked up speed, and left Hinton trapped in that middle land, where his talent earned him a living, but where he seemed destined to play (3dlWSi3 second bill, never quite breaking through to the rarified West Main, Price strata that denotes star status. J 1 4WB..WW Hinton moved to Chicago, and continued touring with Jerry Ix?e, Perkins and other friends HJgJUWUU knew then what I wanted to do. ' singer replied with a smile. Once, back in 1975, following a throat operation, I had to study voice lessons for two years to get back in shape, and I wondered about it. Then, about a year and a half ago, I gave it up and moved to Mobile. But after a few months of trying to build a motel, and be a businessman, well, here I am again, right back on the road. Things have taken an upturn recently for Hinton and his group. They have begun working with Mel Tillis and his Sawgrass Music Co. in Nashville. We have just finished the rough tracks for our new Hinton said, And single, were excited about it. Well finish it as soon as we can, then hope for the best. Ilinton knows its going to take a top 100 record to make a place for his star on the music horizon. Without the magic of a hit tune, this is as far as you go, he said, pointing to the But packed club room. whatever, this is what Ill be doing. I mean, there has been no other choice for me but music since that day I first heard Elvis. And with that, Ilinton shakes hands, then heads for another costume change, ready to do it all over again, one more time. |