Film

Critic-at-large Stephen Schiff says that La Bamba, the new biopic about Ritchie Valens, is a whitewashed portrait of the late musician, and mostly lacks a rock and roll spirit.

Actress Carroll Baker launched her career with sexually-charged parts like title role of the film Baby Doll. Disillusioned with the Hollywood system, she moved to Europe. Now back in America, she writes books, including her newest novel, A Roman Tale.

The filmmaker's first American movie, RoboCop, is a critical and commercial success. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his portrayal of graphic violence and his fascination with American culture and politics.

Listeners will recognize Frankie Laine's voice from the opening sequences of Rawhide and Blazing Saddles. Laine also makes a career performing and recording pop, country and jazz tunes.

Wes Craven worked his way up in the film industry before unexpectedly getting the chance to direct The Last House on the Left. The movie was a controversial success, with its graphic portrayal of rape and murder. His newest movie about voodoo, The Serpent and the Rainbow, was filmed in Haiti.

The franchise's newest installment, The Living Daylights, stars Timothy Dalton. Film critic Stephen Schiff says it's enjoyable enough, but its tone is too serious and sensitive for a Bond flick.

Critic Ken Tucker believes the new film, now on home video, highlights the importance of an often overlooked medium. His only quibble is with sci-fi author Harlan Ellison's narration, which Tucker says is unnecessary.

The Irish filmmaker joins Fresh Air to talk about the difficulties of movie production in his home country. His new movie, directed by Peter Ormond, is called Eat the Peach.

Photographer Eve Arnold documented the life of the iconic film actress, but embargoed her photos after Monroe's death. Arnold has now compiled them into a book, called Marilyn Monroe--An Appreciation.

Many viewers think Dennis Franz stole the show with his portrayal of Norman Buntz in Hill Street Blues. He stars in an upcoming comedy spinoff called Beverly Hills Buntz. Franz got his start early on in theater; small film parts later raised his profile as an actor.

After watching the re-release of Disney's classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, critic Stephen Schiff says the movie is a powerful story about a girl's sexual awakening--only without the sex. He recommends it for it for viewers of all ages.

Language commentator recalls how he learned Italian by watching dubbed American movies while studying abroad, and considers why Italian filmgoers prefer dubbing over subtitles.

Stephen Schiff says that the recent Japanese movie Tampopo pays homage to the Seventh Samurai and countless other films. The food-obsessed plot is both absurd and telling: the movie satisfies and leaves you hungry for more.

The actress, daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, is best known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars. Her new autobiographical novel deals with drug abuse and depression.

Critic Ken Tucker will review two old movies just released for home video: "Double Indemnity," and "Naked Spur."

After appearing in the hit film The Untouchables, Kevin Costner stars in No Way Out, based on the book The Big Clock. The movie also features the excellent Gene Hackman and Sean Young. Film critic Stephen Schiff says it's one of the best political thrillers--if you ignore the ending.

Phil Tippett worked on TV ads before creating stop-motion animation for feature films. He says there was no demand for his skills in the industry until recently, in part because the technique was associated with B-movies. His credits include Return of the Jedi, Dragonslayer and RoboCop.

Film critic Stephen Schiff doesn't think The Big Easy is a particularly smart film, but he praises star Dennis Quaid who, along with costar Ellen Barkin, delivers one of the sexiest scenes of the summer.

Film Critic Stephen Schiff will review "Hamburger Hill," the latest Vietnam War film.

Film director Emile Ardolino. He's made of career of bringing dance to the screen in films like "He Made Me Feel Like Dancing." He's also directed PBS dance specials like "Baryshnikov at the White House." His newest work - the film "Dirty Dancing" - is also about dancing, but the style of dance is quite a departure.