2/22/99

        Prof. Honerkamp is certainly correct on one score: this new film at
the Bijou is well, well worth seeing. The main figure is a combination of
all three Marx brothers: He looks a bit like wigless Harpo, clowns like
Groucho, and cons people the way Chico used to do--a sort of "The Marx
Brothers Go a Concentration Camp," although it takes about half of the
movie to get to that point.  And how casting directors find the child
actors these days is simply amazing.
        And pay close attention to the German doctor, who walks on early
and turns up later in a key role.  He is Horst Buchholz, who years ago was
a dashing figure in such cult movies as "The Magnificent Seven," "Tiger
Bay," "Fanny,"
and "One Two Three."

        Nick's advice about getting there early is probably sound for
popular times, although my own experience was quite leisurely late Friday;
and I can't ever recall there being more than on seller at the Bijou.
Perhaps some formal complaint could ease the situation for week-end
showings.

        Enjoy.

        tcw