thursday, november 15, 1979
daily nebraskan
page 9
. . .
Tapks9 cast niiiideirscores tension in 1942 England
ByPeteSchmitz
Understandably , it is not difficult for the serious
movie-goer to develop a disdain for popular romances
since many of them have sacrificed a challenging content
and an intelligent dialogue for easy entertainment. And
after seeing World War II exploited for this purpose
erous times on the late show and recently in Hanover
Street ; one may be wary of John JSchlesinger's newest
release called Yanks. But don't pass it up, because this" is
one of the best films to come out this year.
The story which opens in 1942, deals with three
English women and their newfound lovers from the
American Army who are stationed in their village as they
wait to invade the European continent. -
fGUESCJ
The three affairs are not only pleasant to follow,, but
they also brilliantly underscore the various levels of politi
cal tension which were prevalent between England and the
United States at the start of the war. Furthermore, credit
must be given to the cast who add to the calibre of the
script.
Most appealing are Vanessa Redgrave and William
Devane, as Helen and John, Helen is an aristocratic
musician and Red Cross volunteer who finds temporary
fulfillment with John, a lonely commanding officer who
also has an unsatisfying marriage. In order to realize the
potential of their friendship, Helen abandons her society's
long established notions on duties and responsibilities. As
she comes to terms with her new perspective she decides
to let her son leave the prep school where all the males in
her husband's family have gone for the past few generations.
THROUGH JOHNS HELP Helen and her son are able
to escape the constraints of tradition and pride, two
characteristics which were excessively ' embodied in
English culture. But Redgrave also helps Devane to look
underneath his protective exterior which has been shaped
and hardened by the American philosophy of rugged
individualism. Although the two cannot express their love
to each other beyond true short time they are together,
they have affected each other for a lifetime, as the best of
friends do.
Also good are Wendy Morgan and Chuck Vennera, as
the happy-go-lucky lower class twosome who have no
trouble falling in love. Although not enough time was
spent with their characters since the director was pre
occupied with alliance growing out of conflict, their roles
nevertheless add an entertaining dimension to this drama.
Most of the attention is given to Matthew, a sergeant
who runs the cafeteria, and Jean, a shop clerk living and
working with her parents. Their liaison is complicated by
Jean's fiance (who is killed later on but not in a conven
ient tasnion to rubberstamp trie current attair), and
parents who are initially scornful of and threatened by
Americans. Richard Gere (who was excellent in Looking
For Mr, Goodbar and Days of Heaven), and Lisa. Eichhorn
are also excellent in their parts, which are more difficult
given the sometimes sappy and ambiguous material they
have to work through.
ALTHOUGH LOVE is the main flavor for this fare,
their are other elements which makes Yanks a memorable
picture. One of them is the attention given to racism in
the Army, as we see the blacks being given the worst food
and beatings for appearing at the New Year's Eve Party.
And it is in this sequence only where the writers
provide the audience with instances of heroic deeds. This
time, for a change, the acts of heroism are done by the fe
males who defy their bigoted escorts and dance .with the
black soldiers after they were brutally harassed by the
white soldiers. . . ,
Some may criticize this movie for making World War U
look too much like a Boy Scout campout instead of a real
war. But Schlesinger (who is known for doing heavy
material like Midnight Cowboy and Sunday Bloody
Sunday) is more interested in entertaining us by present
ing love as a metaphor of politics. His efforts at this have
been more than worthwhile; and I suggest that students
take ' their parents to see Yanks during Thanksgiving
vacation.
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This weekend at COUNTRYSIDE;
"COUNTRY ECHOES
, (Country & Western)
Fri-Sat, Nov. 16 & 17
8:30 - 12:30 pm
"FOOTLOOSE"'
Sunday, Nov. 18, 8:30- 12:30 pm
Every Sunday Afternoon:
2-6pm
A
II L
rounlru nd&
DoujI and ojrqe I
6mi.wton,iO".Emrld. 474 -5484 fl
formerly 2-Eytd Jacks J)
tot's Mote o Pool
eomcsfo
THE
mm
)j 1 i It
Our barter shop wants your props, pictures, signs, paintings, flags,
stuffed animals, license plates, and any other junk that you don't need.
We'll trade our suds for your duds (free booze for your junk), . ,
Raid your garages, attics, barns, rooms, etc., over Thanksgiving
Vacation. .
First rcdnosdey Nito after teflon
IVcAusd?, Nov. 2Cth
