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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (April 23, 1982)
Deathtrap a thrilling delight Focus, The Battalion Friday, April 23, 1982 Clifford Anderson, played by Christopher Reeve, rehearses with Sidney Bruhl, played by Michael Caine, a scene from a play they are collaborating on in Deathtrap. The movie is playing at Plitt III. If one word was needed to describe director Sidney Lumet's latest film, Deathtrap, it would be delightful. This comedy-thriller is a de lightful adaptation of an Ira Levin play which has been run ning on Broadway since the ear ly 1960's, and 20 years on Broad way is a sure sign of quality. And the quality in Deathtrap is apparent. Deathtrap is stylishly done by Lumet, containing a perfect ba lance between electrifying sus pense and titilating humor. This film adaptation captures the essence of Levin's Broadway wit. It is filmed as if it were being staged especially for the camera, adding the depth of a complete set. Each scene of the play was meant to mock the contrived na ture of Broadway thrillers. It accomplishes this by emphasiz ing every detail and action, re moving the stiffness that pla gues many films. Lumet selected several actors with stage experience in order to capture the Broadway mood on film. The acting in Deathtrap is first rate, especially Michael Caine's performance as Sidney Bruhl — a famous mystery wri ter who would kill for another hit following several dismal fai lures. Placing Caine in the role of Bruhl is perfect casting on Lumet's part. Caine's slightly British accent, coupled with his experience in both comedies and thrillers, adds considerable depth to the role. His starring role in Sleuth, which is very similar to Death trap, didn't hurt when it came to making this film either. Lumet also knew what he was doing when he chose Dyan Cannon to play BruhTs dingy wife. Only the wacky Dody Good man could have played the role better, but Cannon's perform ance is reminiscent of Goodman in her younger days. Being perfect for the role is something that cannot be said about Christopher Reeve, who plays a young would-be mys tery writer. While Reeve's acting is with out flaw, another actor — one who does not carry such a screen image (Superman) — would be much more fitting for the part. Despite this, the film suc ceeds in what it set out to accom plish. The film is laced with sub plots, all revolving around the manuscript of a sure-fire hit play titled (of course) "Deathtrap.” While I knew several impor tant details of the film before seeing it, Deathtrap was made, and written, in such a way that it didn't matter. Levin's mastery in originally creating these details is skillfully reproduced by screenwriter Jay Presson Allen, who also wrote the script in Lumet's critically acclaimed Prince of the City last year. Deathtrap, like Prince of the City, should give Lumet another hit to add to his impressive dire ctorial portfolio. Lumet's films include the Academy Award winning Network, as well as Dog Day Afternoon and Ser- pico. This film, like Lumet's others, is entertaining and provides the audience with many surprises. Since one of the finest aspects of Deathtrap is the electrifying suspense, it is best if you forget whatever you may have heard about it when you go through the doors. The less you know about the film before you go, the more you will enjoy it when you see it. — Bill Robinson Seniors have last big weekend by Cindy Manicom The weekend begins with the Battalion Reporter senior bash ' A P ril 30 ' 3 p.m. to As the end of the semester draws near, Texas A&M senior dass members are invited to join together one last time to cele brate graduation in the tradi tional Aggie spirit of Senior Weekend, which will be April 30 through May 1. The annual celebration, plan ned and sponsored by senior dass officers, includes the senior bash, banquet and Ring Dance. Tickets for any of the events may be bought at the door or beforehand at the MSG The weekend begins with the senior bash, April 30, 8 p.m. to 12 p.m., at the Texas Hall of Fame. Music will be provided by Jerry Nail and the Armadillo Ex press. Tickets cost $5 per couple. box office. All proceeds from ticket sales will help pay for the dass of '82 gift to Texas A&M. The senior banquet. May 1, 6:30p.m., will be in Duncan Dining Hall. Tickets cost $10per cou ple. Tickets are limited to 200 couples, on a first-come, first-serve basis. 12 p.m., at the Texas Hall of Fame. Music will be provided by Jerry Nail and the Armadillo Ex press. Tickets cost $5 per couple. "The owner would not let us reserve the whole building, but the idea is that the majority of the people there will be seniors," James Bond, senior class vice president, said. The senior banquet. May 1, 6:30 p.m., will be in Duncan Di ning Hall. Tickets cost $10 per couple. Tickets are limited to 200 couples, on a first-come, first- serve basis. It is a good idea to buy ban quet tickets early because there are rarely any left to sell at the door, Bond said. Brian Bartels, senior class his torian, said the main course will be chicken cordon bleu, rice and green beans amandine. There will also be fruit cups and tossed salad before the entree, and rolls, coffee, tea and assorted deserts. Finally, the senior Ring Dance on May 1 will highlight the weekend. The dance will last from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Ed Gerlach Orchestra will play in the Rudder Exhibit Hall, while Doppelganger plays in the MSC 224. Tickets cost $20 per couple. Tickets for Ring Dance pic tures will be sold April 26 through 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MSC. Pictures will be taken the day of the dance Finally, the senior Ring Dance on May 1 will highlight the weekend. The dance will last from 9p.m. to 1 a.m. The Ed Gerlach Orchestra will play in the Rudder Ex hibit Hall, while Dop pelganger plays in the MSC 224. Tickets cost $20 per couple. from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., and again from 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m., in Rudder Auditorium. Anyone who has their photos taken prior to 6:30 p.m. will re ceive a free 8 x 10 picture with any package they purchase. Pictures may be picked up in the MSC on May 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., or on May 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Photos may be delivered by mail for $1 extra. In addition, photographers will take pictures at random throughout the evening. Stu dents may order from proofs of these pictures when they pick up their Ring Dance photos.