Banner Graphic, Volume 21, Number 29, Greencastle, Putnam County, 6 October 1990 — Page 8

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THE BANNERGRAPHIC October 6,1990

Don’t presume this drama will be dull

Editor’s note: Gordon Walters is professor of romance languages at DePauw University, where he teaches a variety of courses in film, including History of Film and Film Criticism. Walters has written on film for several publications and is a regular contributor to “Cinema Annual.’* Walters’ reviews will appear in the Banner-Graphic on a regular basis. By GORDON WALTERS Banner-Graphic Film Critic Alan J. Pakula’s “Presumed Innocent,” insofar as it continues the hoary, potentially yawn-provoking tradition of courtroom drama, treads in treacherous tracks. Fortunately however, Pakula has a first-class story and script (written by himself and Frank Pierson) to work with. What results is certainly the best film of the year (an extremely lean year, true) a fascinating character study, a compelling thriller even for those who’ve read Scott Turow’s novel, and a showcase for numerous absolutely stunning performances. TOP BILUNG GOES, of course, to Harrison Ford, who demonstrates once again he’s a much better actor than most casual viewers realize. Here, this is not the Harrison Ford of the Indiana Jones movies; this is the Harrison Ford of the neglected “Frantic” of a few years ago once more caught up in role which reminds us of Hitchcock’s victims of dilemmas not entirely of their making. Ford is Rusty Sabich, deputy prosecutor of Kindle County (read Cook County, 111., although the film was shot in New York). Sabich is not a hero; rather he is Everyman a basically decent being, good at his job, sincere in his professional goals, who is thrown for a loop by passion. What’s worse, Rusty is charged with the murder of his exparamour, Carolyn Polhemus (Greta Scacchi), a prosecuting attorney who beds down with anybody in sight. Despite the fact that Rusty quickly gains our rooting interest, the question of his guilt is expertly held in the balance, even through the film’s breathtaking denouement. ON RUSTY’S SIDE in the struggle are his wife, Barbara (Bonnie Bedelia), a rough-and-tumble cop (John Spencer) and his own lawyer, Sandy Stem (Raul Julia), who is, incidentally, the protagonist of Turow’s current book, “The Burden of Proof.” Out to get Rusty is the very system he worked so hard to defend

Cloverdale

second time in recent months that the zoning board has issued fines for violations of the zoning ordinance. Another Stardust Hills property owner was fined SSOO in August after a contractor he hired violated a stop-work order issued by Bryant. IN OTHER MATTERS at Cloverdale: • The Cloverdale Plan Commission, which met prior to the zoning board, approved a home occupation that allows Bryant to operate a machine shop in his garage. The commission also researched the zoning of some property along U.S. 231 owned by Floyd Freeman, since the landowner asked if he could get the two acres rezoned for business. The commission told Freeman that the land was zoned for residential use. At the request of the commission, Carl Scott attended the meeting to explain his subdivision of some property along Ind. 42 within the town’s two-mile limit of jurisdiction. Scott said he did subdivide

Fire prevention

being used and the heating appliance is a safe distance, at least three feet from furniture, bedding, walls anything that can bum. Hunt for electrical hazards: Look for overloaded electrical outlets, fuses of improper size, cracked or frayed cords, cords running across traffic areas, under carpets and furniture or pinned tightly to a wall by furniture. Heavy appliances should have their own heavy-duty electrical circuits. Keep flashlights handy in case of a power failure arid do not use candles for emergency lighting. Keep the kitchen fire safe. Never leave the cooking unattended and always keep pot handles turned in so they cannot be pulled or knocked off the stove. Keep appliances unplugged when not in use and keep them clean and dry. Make sure family members know how to handle a small grease fire: smother

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Gordon Walters

(In one confessional sequence, the beleaguered Sabich recalls, “When I first started here, I thought I could make a difference”). The attack is led by a worm named Tommy Molto (Joe Grifasi), a guy who reminds us of an auto mechanic that can’t tell a carburetor from a wheel bearing. Indeed, “Presumed Innocent” does not immediately fill us with confidence in the judicial system. THE FILM’S FIRST shot is of the stately courtroom where Rusty has practiced his profession all comforting browns, blacks and bronzes. The focus is on the rows of chairs where the people who determine our fates the jury sit and do the best they can to separate truth from flummery. However, save for Stem and the imbecilic attorneys who try Sabich, the story’s characters wear shades of gray the faithful but embittered Barbara; the dedicated State’s Attorney and Rusty’s boss, Ray Horgan (Brian Dennehy), who feels betrayed by Rusty and betrays him in turn; Judge Larren Lyttle (Paul Winfield), a principled man driven in weakness to pettiness. Even Carolyn Polhemus, who had worked as often horizontally as vertically, volunteered to try the most difficult cases those involving rape and child abuse, where it is tough to get convictions. Even flawed professionals have a fundamental sense of honor to which they listen. And yet, the film’s final shot, which is also of the courtroom, once again with Rusty’s voiceover narration, expresses appalling emptiness. Because what Rusty has learned is the most frightening lesson above-average intelligence can beat a system designed to protect the average man. *** “Presumed Innocent” is currently playing at Ashley Square Twin Cinemas in Greencastle. Also on the bill are “Navy Seals’' and ‘Total Recall.”

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some property into lots with at least 300 feet of frontage along the highway. The plan commission determined that the subdivision of the land complies with the zoning ordinance. Commission president Mike Monnett said that the attorney for Martin Marietta Aggregates has contacted the town clerk-treasurer and the commission’s attorney about attending the Nov. 1 plan commission meeting. MARTIN MARIETTA is the limestone company that has leased acreage on the town’s northeast side to operate a quarry. Monnett reported that the stoneremoval company has prepared a written plan, outlining its intentions for the quarry. Attending Thursday’s meeting in addition to Larkin, Monnett, Gray and Hacker was plan commission member Steve Walters. The next Cloverdale Plan Commission meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 in the Cloverdale Community Building.

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the flames by sliding a lid or larger pan over the fire and turn off the burner. Never pour water on a grease fire. Watch out for flammable liquids. Always store combustible and flammable liquids in tight, labeled metal containers, away from heat or flame, never store gasoline in the home. Keep on hand only the amount needed to fuel the lawnmower or similar equipment and be sure it is stored in an approved safety can with a springclosure valve, vapor vent and pour spout. CAPT. O’BRIEN said that Greencastle fire department personnel are available to give firesafety talks to groups at any time. “Fire safety is simply common sense,” he said. “If people are careful and take precautions, hopefully, they will be able to protect themselves.”

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Blare Albietz and Nicholas Richardson met face to face for the first time recently at Lieber State Recreation Area. The boys had become pen pals during the last school year through the efforts of Mrs. Albers of Cloverdale Elementary and Mrs. Schnaiter of Smith Elementary in Martinsville. Nicholas, his parents and sisters were guests of the Albietz family for a day of picnicking,

Property office dedication Wednesday at Lieber Park

CLOVERDALE Department of Natural Resources Director Patrick R. Ralston will be the keynote speaker Wednesday during formal-dedication ceremonies for the Lieber State Recreation Area property office. A musical program will begin at 9 a.m., followed with the formal ceremony at 10 a.m. SECOND-GRADERS from Cloverdale Elementary and Greencastle’s Jones Elementary School will be participating in the dedication program. The children are taking part in Lieber’s Penpal Program. Entertainment will be provided by the Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School “Techoir” under

Obituary Ivan C. Lisby

Ivan C. Lisby, 81, passed away Thursday in Scarmento, Calif. He was the son of Alva and Maud Lisby. He was married to Nellie West and he is survived by their son, Don Lisby, Texas, and daughter, Barbara Smith, Lafayette. Later he married Opal Kent, who preceded him in death Jan. 4, 1990. He is survived by their daughter, Donna Marie Gross, and a granddaughter, Rachel Gross. Mr. Lisby served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, part of the time overseas. After retirement, he returned to their home in Sacramento, where he worked

GTE customers to take possession of equipment on Jan. 1

Any GTE customer in Indiana who is renting telephones or associated equipment from GTE, and began renting it before March 1, 1984, will be given ownership of that equipment next year under a plan approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (lURC). UNDERTHE PLAN, GTE will turn over the “title” for, or ownership of, the specified equipment to those customers on Jan. 1, 1991, Gerry Gawronski, state general manager for GTE in Indiana, said. The equipment includes singleline telephones and associated equipment like special handsets and bells rented by residence and single-line business customers, and PBXs and key systems used by businesses. “The move brings two changes for our customers,” Gawronski noted. “First, customers who are being given ownership of equipment will no longer pay monthly rental charge for that equipment. And second, as the owners of the telephones, customers will need to assume full responsibility for repair and maintenance costs.” GTE IS OFFERING customers

boating and swimming recently. A similar event on a larger scale is being planned by the Lieber activity staff. Entire school classes of pen pals are being invited to meet each other and participate in Lieber’s field-trip program. Meetings will be called “Penpal Picnics,” the first of which is planned for the dedication of the new visitor’s center this month.

the direction of Larry Dixon, along with the Evans Family and Indiana State University student John Routh. A Greencastle High School graduate who lives south of Cloverdale, Routh has been a summer employee at Lieber for four years. THE NEW OFFICE is located immediately off State Road 243, about six miles southwest of Cloverdale. Lieber State Recreation Area is part of the 8,075-acre Cagles Mill Lake complex. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, property manager Don Albietz said. Refreshments, tours and special programs will follow the formal program.

for Pepsi-Cola for several years. He was a member of Applegate Lodge No. 155, Fillmore, and, in his youth, was a member of the Fillmore Christian Church. Survivors also include two sisters, Melba Gorham and Lola Woods, Fillmore; a brother, Raymond Lisby, Greencastle; stepchildren Teresa Kove, California, Clarice Garrow, Maine, Joyce Moss, Texas, and Edward Tant; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services and burial will be conducted in Sacramento. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

maintenance agreements to cover many items affected by this change. Depending upon the type of equipment, customers may purchase “Repair Care,” which covers repair and maintenance for a monthly fee. The charge for a single-line telephone, for example, would be $1.75 per month. With Repair Care coverage, GTE subsequently will repair or replace non-working phones as needed at no additional charge. A mailing is now being sent to all customers affected by the ruling that explains the changes in ownership and provides them the opportunity to sign up for the maintenance agreement. Gawronski said that the company’s policy to rent telephone instruments to customers has not changed since March 1984. “GTE is not getting out of the rental business. Customers who wish to rent new telephones from GTE still can choose from a wide variety of styles and color available at GTE Phone Marts. The change that will occur next year only affects ownership of rental instruments that have been in service prior to March 1,1984.”

Pet Connection It’s raining cats and dogs

Each year more than 10 million dogs and cats must be put to death in this country because no one wants them. Don’t add to this tragic overpopulation. Have your pets neutered or spayed. Neutering and spaying are a surgical procedure which prevents pets from reproducing. Male dogs and cats are ready to be neutered at eight months; females at six months. Females can even be spayed in season or early pregnancy, but the risk is somewhat greater. The veterinarian must be informed of the animal’s condition. The best and easier thing for you and your pet is to get her neutered before she comes in season the first time. DOGS AND CATS have no psychological sex drive. They do not feel any need to reproduce, and are happier when they’re neutered. The benefits of neutering your pet are numerous: Your pet will be a more content family member. Roaming and over-aggressiveness are

Looking for loving homes

Two mixed-breed puppies. Well-socialized. Call Margo at 739-6232. Tiger-colored, spayed, declawed, short-haired adult cat. Must be kept indoors. Call Lana at 653-8049. Adorable, six-month-old, female, black chow/shepherd named Velvet. She has a sweet disposition. Call 653-3946 or 246-6811.

Open house scheduled Tuesday at Cloverdale

CLOVERDALE Parents of Cloverdale junior and senior high school students can attend an open house set for 6:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the high school. “BACK TO SCHOOL Night’’ is a chance for parents to go to school and follow their student’s schedule, meet the teachers and administrators, and view the school facility. Principal Joe A. McNary will be in charge of the evening’s events. Parents may pick up a copy of

At the library

PUTNAM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 102 E. Walnut St. 653-2755 ♦ ♦ ♦ LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Oct. 8-13 Monday, Oct. 8 Library closed in observance of Columbus Day. Tuesday, Oct. 9 Story Hour, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 Story Hour, 10 a.m. * * * BOOKMOBILE STOPS Tuesday, Oct. 9 Russellville Elementary, 9:45-10:45 a.m.; Heritage Lake, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.; Van Bibber Lake, 11:30 p.m.; Greencastle Nursing Home, 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 Stardust Hills, 9:45-10:30 a.m.; Anna Street, 10:35 a.m.; Cloverdale Senior Center, 11 a.m.; Cloverdale Community Building, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; Central Elementary, 12:30-1:45 p.m.; Heritage House, 2:15 p.m.

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often linked to sex drive. Neutered pets are calmer and more affectionate. Your pet will be healthier, and less likely to develop certain cancers or be injured in fights with other animals. You will not have to put up with staining or spraying. You will not have to fight off males when your female is in season. YOU WILL NOT have to find home for the offspring. It takes more time, effort and money than you’d think to raise a litter of puppies or kittens for eight weeks, then advertise and find homes for them. You won’t have to suffer the heartbreak when some or all of the puppies or kittens don’t find new homes. You help all animals by not adding to the pet population explosion. More neutered pets means fewer homeless animals. (Reprinted with permission of the American Humane Association)

To list a pet for adoption, send details about the animal (such as kind of animal, age, sex, demeanor) to the Humane Society of Putnam County, P.O. Box 444, Greencastle, 46135. Please include your name, address and phone number. In addition, people who want to adopt a pet may be included in the list. Submit your name, address and the specific kind of animal you would like to adopt.

their student’s schedule in the commons area from 6:30-7 p.m. Introductions will be made in the gym, 7-7:15 p.m. An abbreviated day (10 minutes per period) will be conducted. ALSO, A RECEPTION will start at 6:30 p.m. in the home ec room for high school substitute teachers. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria during study hall periods. Real Estate Transfers Bradford Scott Corp, to Barbara L. Wilson and Marilyn J. Davidson, warranty deed, lot in Patriots Landing, Heritage Lake. Larry W. Fish to Bradford Scott Corp., quit claim deed, lot in Jefferson Valley, Heritage Lake. Stanley E. Knotts to Rebecca S. Knotts, quit claim deed, lot in Robertson Sub. Gerald Luxton to Stardust Hills Owners Assoc., quit claim deed, lot in Stardust Hills, Cloverdale. Farm Credit Services of MidAmerica ACA, Successor by Merger to Greencastle Product Credit Association to Central Indiana Realty and Investments, corporate deed, lot in Greencastle Township.

BARGAIN SHOWINGS-ALL 2:00 & 4:00 MATINEES and TUESDAY EVENINGS ALL SEATS 5 2.25

Fri. 9:00, Sat 4:00,9:00, Sun. 4:00,7:00 SCHWARZENEGGER TOTAL gl RECALL IE Ashley Sq. Cinemas I & ll| Fri. 7:30,9:30, Sat. 1:45,3:45,7:30,9:30, Sun. 1:45,3:45, 7:30 PRESUME D INNOCENT HARRISON FORD Some people would kill for love. f 1T1M? 111 111 1111 1 ITT Fri. 7:00, Sat. 2:00,7:00, Sun. 2:00 America's To» ■E' Jr; Secret , Weapon. 'Ss&T*'