A kibbutz, martial arts, gladiators ... and Eskimos

Press, 10 March 1987, Page 26

A kibbutz, martial arts, gladiators ... and Eskimos

New releases from Kerridge Odeon Amalgamated Video Services include: “Not Quite Jerusalem” (PG). Six volunteers arrive at the kibbutz to exchange their labour for a chance to experience a different way of life in a land where the sun always shines. Gila, a pretty young Israeli, organises their work and accommodation. Mike is a good-looking United States medical student. He is to help Gila look after the cows and share a house with a Scots ex-soldier, Angus, an eccentric, chain-smoking recluse. Carrie, from Birmingham, is a neurotic, claims to have a fiance and thinks she can

paint. Rothwell, an American Jewish boy, falls in love with a Japanese girl. A Cockney East-Ender, Pete, and a Yorkshireman, Dave, share the same interest (girls!) but usually end up finding consolation in booze and bravado. The group’s experience on the kibbutz, both comic and tragic, will leave each of their lives completely changed. “Not Quite Jerusalem” stars Joanna Pacula and Sam Robards and runs for 111 minutes. It is produced and directed by Lewis Gilbert, who also produced the highly successful “Educating Rita” and “You Only Live Twice.” “Police Story” (PG) is

directed by Jackie Chan, who also takes the lead role in this movie packed with martial arts action. As a detective constable on special duties he is assigned to a team brought together to bust a highly organised drug ring headed by a ruthless businessman, but he soon finds this to be a case like no other in his untarnished career. Running time is 87 minutes. “Ursus the Gladiator” (PG) starring Dan Vadis and Gloria Milland. Peace has reigned in the Roman Empire under the rule of the old emperor, but now his young heir is ascending the throne of Caesar and he believes in a rule of blood, violence and terror. Ursus the gladiator

must challenge an empire in order to save the lives of innocent Christians under the emperor’s evil thumb. Armed only with a sword, Ursus stakes his life on justice. Running time 95 minutes. “Savage Innocents” (PG) gives a rare insight to the cruel world of the Arctic Circle and its primitive inhabitants. To the native Eskimo, love is an alien luxury and murder is an innocent necessity. Stunning photography offers an exciting backdrop to a brutal quest for survival as two civilisations reach for understanding. "Savage Innocents” stars Anthony Quinn, Yoko Tani and Ed Devereaux and runs for 106 minutes.