to-run-or-not-to-run on the Sabbath.
for what it's worth, it certainly kept my attention.
Young aspiring runner Chris (Mariel Hemingway)
successful pentathlete Tory - short for Victoria! — (Patricia Donnelly). They strike up an intense relationship lovers, friends cocompetitors.
The film takes us through their four years Much time and energy is devoted to developing Chris as all athlete of Tory's calibre.
1 ne relanonsmp Is lallly conventional it is all consuming, self-absorbed but also satisfying supportive.
But eventually the tensions of the inequalities in the relationship cause it to Chris collabst. becomes independent and confident as an athlete and as a person, Tory feels threatened. She becomes jealous demanding. They split up in bitterness and slience Despite the disgusting advertising for the Ilm -can compete Persona! Best is also a film about two competing with a body you've already surrendered to your op- the relationship ponent' is portrayed with surprising sensitivity.
Reviewed by The weaknesses vulnerabilities of the women are handled very sympathetically, even through Tner break-up. This alone makes the film worth seeing.
But Hollywood being Hollywood couldn't leave it at that. Enter what's-his• I honestly don't Chris's new lover. He's a handsome who adds non-clily nothing to the story His gratuitous addition to the plot conveys the insiduous final message that, really, relationshit with Tory was all very well Now that Chris is a grown-up, SET against the rise and fall of the Sukarno regime she's ready for the 'real thing' Tory's reaction 'He's kind of cute • for a guy!' - just about sums it There is much discussion in the film about the "killer instinct needed for competitive sports. But the competitors are all very supportive and GAYNE IS GOOD FORYO An illustration from a cartoon thriller called ton.
all Guy's breaks, comradely.
Even when their frustrated male coach tries set up competitive suspicion and distrust between Chris and Tory, he doesn't succeed.
Yes, it's the predictable heterosexist cop-out. But as a positive attempt treat women seriously, it's worth a glance.
Stanley and the Mask of Mystery by David ShenPublished by Gay Men's Press, £3.50 munist Party of Indonesia
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I'VE NEVER understood the popularity of Chariots of Fire. I struggled to stay awake as our heroes puff- ed bravely away for god, king and John Gielgud. athletes — this time women. It doesn't offer the for-
midable background of Cambridge University. It doesn't ponder over such lofty moral dilemmas as And you can bet it won't win eight Oscars. But