American Dream (DVD)
Barbara Kopple`s disturbing account of the protracted strike of the employees of the Hormel meat-packing plant in Austin, Minnesota, in 1984 is set against the backdrop of the Reagan administration`s demolition of the nation`s air traffic controllers union, a move that would help create the worst climate for organized labor since the 19th century. Doubtless emboldened by this decision, Hormel management announced a wage cut from $10.69 to $8.50 an hour, along with a 30 cut in benefits, despite a banner year in which the company posted a $29 million profit. Against the advice of Lewie Anderson, director of meat packing for the United Food and Commercial Workers International, the local union, P-9, elects to strike and hires New York consultant Ray Rogers, a specialist in assisting unions to strategize. As weeks turn into months it becomes evident that Rogers is a skillful flack and motivational trainer but understands little about the complex negotiation he has helped set in motion. A fitting companion piece to the director`s earlier HARLAN COUNTY, USA, this Oscar-winning exposi is a tour de force of documentary filmmaking, unfolding the inexorable tragedy of the Hormel workers with compassion and an acute eye for the revelatory detail.PG"
Director: Barbara Kopple
Lohengrin (DVD)
Conducted by James Levine and performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, Wagner`s classic opera is about Elsa, a beautiful girl accused of killing her brother. When no one will come forward to help defend her, a champion appears to come to her aid. Before the duel, he proposes marriage to her and confesses his love, but she must never ask who he is or where he`s from.NR"
ACTORS: Peter Hoffman, Eva Marton, Leonie Rysanek, James Levine, Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Uriah Heep - Magician`s Birthday Party (DVD)
Pioneering hard rock band Uriah Heep are filmed on one glorious evening in London for this rare release. Original members Ken Hensley and John Lawton join later members for a performance that is nostalgic and celebratory. The Heep perform a set of their greatest hits, including Return to Fantasy, Circle of Hands, and Easy Living. NR"
ACTORS: Uriah Heep
Sharpe`s Gold (DVD)
Gold, guns and greed find Major Richard Sharpe once again in mortal danger deep behind enemy lines. While searching for a stash of hidden Aztec gold, Richard gets tangled up with some ruthless gun traders, a fierce partisan leader, and a beautiful young Irish girl (Ashbourne).NR"
Director: Tom Clegg
What`s the Matter with Helen?/Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (DVD)
This double feature contains two early 70s works from director Curtis Harrington with inquisitive titles. WHAT`S THE MATTER WITH HELEN (1971) features a maniacal Debbie Reynolds and WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO? (1972) stars Shelley Winters as the aging female psychopath. See individual titles for more detailed synopsis.PG"
Director: Curtis Harrington
