Page Two
By Louis Black, Fri., June 2, 2000
Clifford Antone's sentencing hearing is a topic I'll probably return to again. It was a very moving experience, surprisingly so given the circumstances. Judge James Nowlin's performance -- his reasoning and conduct -- was incredibly impressive. We are sorry to see our friend Clifford go away; we will miss him and await his return.
I haven't wanted to blow the trumpets for the Douglas Sirk film series too much so far because Sirk is such an odd director. But now is the time. The next two weeks find the Austin Film Society presenting brand-new prints of Written on the Wind (1956) and All That Heaven Allows (1955) at the Paramount -- the two definitive masterpieces of this often unheralded but brilliant director. Both are totally over the top. Written, showing June 6, presents a Texas that makes Dallas seem tame. The film belongs, in every sense, to Dorothy Malone. All That Heaven Allows, showing June 13, finds older widow (Jane Wyman) falling in love with handsome tree man (Rock Hudson). The family is shocked. Don't go to laugh -- you'll miss all the good lines. Sirk knows how outrageous it all is, and he beautifully exploits it. Here is a completely cinematic director at the top of his form.
Remember the short story contest!