SNEAK PREVIEWS—"'China Syndrome', 'Deer Hunter'"—WTTW-TV11 Chicago (03-22-79)

A complete edition of the first movie review program featuring the Chicago Tribune's Gene Siskel and the Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert.

NOTE: Downloaded from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

COMMENT: Review section is annexed with notes on the theatres it played in here in Tucson.

Contents:
Opening credits
Introduction, featuring clip from THE DEER HUNTER
Reviews:
a. THE CHINA SYNDROME, a Columbia picture, at the El Dorado. Gene gives this thriller, starring Jane Fonda, a "YES" and believes it is "a believable doomsday thriller like FAIL-SAFE or SEVEN DAYS IN MAY." Roger also gives it a "YES" and says "this is one of the best-made, best-acted, most thrilling films we'll see this year."
b. FAST BREAK, a Columbia picture, at the Catalina. Roger gives the film a "NO" and says that fans of WELCOME BACK, KOTTER (which, as usual for an ABC show, ran on KGUN-9 here) will have no problem recognizing Gabe Kaplan in the film, also suggesting that with his sincerity, timing and personality, could have done more with his lead role in the basketball comedy. Gene, also giving it a "NO", likens the movie to an expanded television series.
c. ONCE IN PARIS, an Atlantic release, which did not play in Tucson until February of 1980, when it came to the Cineworld 4. Gene, giving it an enthuiastic "YES", says it's "an American-made film that gives us three bright, lively and real characters". Roger gives it a "NO" and felt it worked much better as a travelogue than a romance.
d. THE DEER HUNTER, a Universal release, which began playing at the Buena Vista on April 6, 1979. Gene and Roger both give this film portrait of the Vietnam War enthusiastic "YES" votes and Gene says the experience of watching the film is like reading a big novel.
Dogs of the Week: Spot sniffs out two kung-fu films: KUNG-FU MASTER (picked by Roger) and LAST FIST OF FURY (picked by Gene). Neither film played in Tucson.
Recap of reviews (to correct the error at the start of this segment, THE CHINA SYNDROME was rated PG, not R.)
Preview of next week's show
Closing credits
Funding credit: "Public Television Stations"
Logo: PBS