Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Wednesday, December 29, 1976, page 23 (of 34)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
A Star Is Born Streisand, Streisand and more Streisand
By NICK SPANOS Correspondent She can't act. But Barbra Streisand certainly can sing. And she sings, and sings, and sings, at times non-stop, other times unnecessarily, in the remake of "A Star Is Born." All of which makes this tolerably bad film a glittering rhinestone excursion into concert hall thetrics. No need to visit a nightclub or auditorium to hear the Brooklyn-raised superstar perform in the next ten years when you'll be able to easily catch the film on re-issue and then television. Barbara Streisand is the whole film, no if's, and's or but's, despite the other talents involved, notably Kris Kristofferson. For Streisand is also the "executive producer," part-time costumer, one of the music composers, and uncredited co-editor with "producer" Jon Peters. With the opportunity to make the film hers, she took full advantage of it. Had the finished cinematic product reached the levels of artistic ambition, Streisand, Peters, and company could bask in glory. Instead, dramatic scenes supposedly showcasing the manneristic acting of Streisand are tired and cliched. Dialogue veers into simplistic retorts. Character and pacing are abandoned completely. When Streisand is singing, the film works, if you like Streisand's singing. When she's not, forget it. Kristofferson has to bear the burden, and bears it well under the circumstances. Others, such as director Frank Pierson, director-turned-actor Paul Mazursky (playing an agent), actor Gary Busey (playing a road manager) and composer Paul Williams get lost in the Streisand shuffle. Their contributions are valuable, yet consistently downplayed. Worse, "A Star Is Born" has none of the electrifying dramatic impact of the previous two versions. Though comparisons should not be made, the film stands or falls on Streisand its own — the 1976 version merely occupies time and screen space for two hours and 20 minutes. Nothing will be evoked but box-office dollars. Like it or not, Streisand's performance makes Judy Garland's performance in the 1954 version a classic beyond criticism. But Streisand does sing. And sing. And sing. Yet is it worth $3.50 a ticket to you? Enough of Streisand, though (if that's possible with this movie), and onto Kristofferson. He's neither Fredric March or James Mason of the previous versions; he doesn't have to be. The basic character's been updated from a washed-out actor to a self-destructing rock star. As with his last film, "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea," the bearded, grubby, going-on-flabby Rhodes Scholar turned singer-composer turned actor has an involving presence. His performance still resembles a mixture of mumbling early Brando and bearish, stand-offish George C. Scott. He's merely being himself without any great aspirations for the art of acting. Director Frank Pierson, a 1975 Academy Award winner for his screen-writing of Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon." holds together as much of the film as possible. Since the "executive producer" and "producer" absconded with the film footage in post-production to personally supervise and approve the editing, it is difficult to realize Pierson's contribution. The director's handling of the supporting roles and shrewd integrating of the rock music business into the backdrop for the tragic love story effectively counterpoints the damage done to his scene structure and visual compositions. Paul Williams, noted for his own work as a recording artist composer and for his innovative, complex work (Oscar nominated) on Brian de Palma's "Phantom of the Paradise," contributes sets of lyrics and arrangements worthy of award recognition. His lyrics for the love theme, "Evergreen" (music by an unknown composer named Barbra Streisand), are simple, straightforward, and poetic, matching the finest works of Marvin Hamlisch or Stephen Sondheim. Film-making's a game everyone wants to play, if not control. The players are numerous; the prize, recognition and money. Streisand's playing for both. All she'll get, though not necessarily deserved, is the latter. One feels sorry for Judy Garland and her predecessor, Janet Gaynor. Next Streisand should tackle a musical update of "Titanic." She could play the ship. And the film would probably be as tolerably bad as "A Star Is Born."
Local firm wins in Vizcaya contest
Exotic Gardens of Coral Gables won second place prize at the florists competition held at Vizcaya on Dec. 10. The exhibit was designed by Randy Wiscombe. Third place went to Lorraine's Posy Patch, North Kendall Drive and was designed by Lorraine A. Thomas. All of the floral designs can be seen at Vizcaya through the first of January.
novo's THE PRIVATE CLUB
at Dadeland Towers 667-1161
Season's Greetings
Celebrate holiday occasions at the Inns, where delicious continental cuisine is served graciously in rustic, Old-English settings. • COMPLETE BANQUET FACILITIES • The Yorkshire Inn 6521 Bird Road 667-5601 Ample Parking The Hampshire Inn 9600 Sunset Drive 279-1314 Major Credit Cards Accepted
George's SUPER SUBS
20 YEARS OF QUALITY A FAMILY RESTAURANT OFFERING 15 DIFFERENT KINDS OF SUBS, PIZZA & DINERS COMPLETE TAKEOUT SERVICE 443-1713 4580 S.W. 8th ST. • OPEN 7 DAYS
fusion dance company FIRST FULL SEASON
GALA PERFORMANCE, JANUARY 15, 1977 8 PM AT GUSMAN CULTURAL CENTER. Patron tickets at $50, $100, $250 each include a candlelight supper following performance. Performance only - $5, $7, $10. JANUARY 18 TO 30 AT SWENSON HALL, EVERGLADES SCHOOL, S. BAYSHORE DR. IN COCONUT GROVE. Tickets - $5, $7, $10. Two different performances offered at special subscription rates - $8.50, $12, $17. Student discount tickets (with proper identification) $3, $5, $8. Tickets at FUSION - 4542 SW 75th Avenue - Miami, Florida 33155 or call 264-0661. MASTERCHARGE AND BANKAMERICARD ACCEPTED. 6 NEW WORKS
STONE CRABS all you can eat $795
Open New Year's Day 3pm - 11 pm FRESH CAUGHT SEAFOOD Including: Stone Crabs, Lobster, Shrimp & Garlic Style Crabs Join us for "HAPPY HOUR" in the Pub. Open daily except Monday from 11:30 am. Drop in for lunch, dinner or cocktails. PURTY NELLYS CRABHOUSE AND PUB Wayne Ave. Just east of U.S.1 Miami, Fla. Phone: 253-1868 (SW 181st ST.) Major Credit Cards Honored