16 - North Shore News — Friday, June 16, 2000

Meyer added ‘social
value’ to erol

Robert Aiken
Contributing Writer

(Part two of working with Russ
Meyer on Vixen 1969.)

Vixen altered the course
of Russ Meyer’s career.
It cost a mere $68,000
to make in northern
California (substituting
for B.C, Canada) and
grossed over $24 mil-
lion. I was paid $350
for a week’s work.

The story lire is barely
strong enough to hold the
scenes together; it involves a bush pilot and his
wife (Vixen, portrayed admirably by Erica
Gavin) who take another couple on a fishing
weekend in Canada.

Also present are Vixen's brother and his
black friend, a draft evader protesting what he
believes is a racist war. The Irish Marxist wan-
ders in later from somewhere s also a
Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman who wan-
ders off somewhere.

At the time the movi ic was released,

“redeeming social vaiue” was a key line of
against charges that a movie was pomo-
piration was to put all of
ng speeches at the end. “The audi-
ence will know,” he once said, “that when the
characters get on the airplane, the good parts
are over.” Sound advice.

Erotica in major studio films was said, at
that time, to rival (almost) that seen in so- rcalled
grind- -house

fecring sex and loving se
tires, sex dramas and

My director friend, Curtis Harrington, had
seen an ad in the trades announcing an open
audition for Russ Meyer's next film. He called
and urged me to check it out. “No way will I
work with him — I’m not interested in doing a

Russ Mever movie!” T
exclaimed, disdaintully.
However, | had not worked
much since Universal’s Games
(nor had 1 wanted to).

“It could result in some
good footage on you, more
experience," " Harrington m per
sisted. I finally
enquired and’
interviews were
a nearby West i
home (belonging to Meyer),
so why nor?

f “owned” the house
before walking in. I] was
warmly greeted by the hefty,
rough-hewn, macho M
the very attractive Erica G

and mild-mannered wri
I did a “cold read”
my time, “owning” ¢
and they all seemed f
However, Meyer suddenly visualized me not as
Gavin’s brother, the role for which I was read-
ing, but, as “Dave,” a vacationing Vancouver
lawyer (almost twenty years before I ever con-
sidered that IT would live in Vancouver).
“Dave's intelligent, articulate and se:
explained Russ. Then, as I] was reading a scene
with him, he abruptly stopped and asked me,
most earnestiy “Do you think be (the character,
Dave) would go down on her?" I sputtered,
not knowing wi ‘hat he wanted me to say, “Well,
I don’t know...” (was this a test?) “maybe,
maybe...not?” He didn’t ask if that was ayy final
answer.
His hand came down hard on the page.
“Right!” he blurted. “He's right! [ agree. It
be downright un-American!” Rudelson
reluctantly, but agreeably. “She can go
down on him, but he shouldn’r go down on
her, it’s weak, (looking ar Erica) right? Jt would
be somehow demeaning,” he went on.
“But,” [ ventured, “ist Dave Canadian?”
“Same thing,” he snorted. “Downright un-

See Meyer Page 31

Photo Garth Pillsbury

ROBERT Aiken stars as the vacationing Vancouver
lawyer “Dave” in Russ Meyer's film Vixen.

@ Park & Tilford Cineplex
200 -- 333 Brooksbank,
North Vancouver (985-3911)
Boys & Girls (subject to clas-
sification ) — 2, 3:20, 7:30,
9:50 p.m.
Road Trip (18A) — 1:05,
3:30, 7:20, 9:40 pam.
New Waterford Girl (PG) —
1:20, 3:35, 7:10, 9:25 p.m.
Big Momma’s House (PG)
225, 7, 9:20 p.m

. (PG) — 1:25,
3:45, 6:50, 9:10 p.m. (no
9:10 pam shaw on June 17)
Me, Myself and Irene —
Sat, June 17 only at 10 p.m.

@ Esplanade 6 Cinemas
Esplanade, North
er (983-2762)
Gone in 60 Seconds — Fri,
Mon-Thu 7:10, 10 p.m.
Sat/Sun 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 10
p.m.
Mission Impossible 2 —- Fri,
Mon-Thu 7, 7:25, 9:50,
10:10 p.m. Sat/Sun 12:45,
4:15, 3 4:10, 7, 7:25,
9:50, 1 p.n
Shaft — Fn, Mon-Thu 7:15,
9:45 p.m. Sat/Sun I, 4, 7: 13,
9:45 p.m.
Dinosaur — Fri, Mon- Thu
7:30, 9:20 p.m. Sat/Sunt:10,
3:10, 5:10, 7:30, 9:20 p.nt.
Shanghai Noon — Fri, Mon-
Thu 7:20, 9:40 p.m. Sat/Sun
1:50, 4:25, 7:20, 9:40 p.m.

M Caprice Park Royal
South

West Vancouver (926-6699)
East is East — 7:10, 9:15

p.m.
Where The Heart Is (PG) —
7, 9:20 p.m.

Small Time Crooks (PG) —
7:05, 9 p.m.

See Cinemas Page 32

Explore the unique talents of local Native artists showcasing their work atop Grouse Mountain daily from
11:00 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday, June 21 until Sunday, June 25. The exhibition kicks off on Wednesday, June 21,
with artist demonstrations, Native walking tours, and a traditional Salmon Barbeque over an open fire.

Join us for the unveiling of a beautifully hand-carved Native Mask generously donated by Squamish Nation
Manager Glen Newman to raise funds for the Squamish Nation Youth Centre through a silent auction.

Native Art Exhibition Open Daily from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Entry is complimentary with Skyride admission and easily accessible
Located on the Plaza area in front of the Peak Chalet

¢ Featuring over 15 local artists; from carving, jewelry, prints, pottery, masks, and much more.

e Take a scheduled walking tour to the hiwus feasthouse and learn about the rich history of First Nations
people along the way to this authentic longhouse atop Grouse Mountain.
© Enjoy talking with the artists and watching demonstrations.

National Aboriginal Day Celebration Wednesday, June 21st

In Support of the Squamish Nation Youth Centre
Join us to kick off the five day Exhibition on June 21. Savour the flavours of a traditional Native BBQ featuring salmon filets cooked
over an open fire, served with Bannock bread for $8.95. Proceeds from the BBQ go to the Squamish Nation Youth Centre.

Join us for the unveiling of “the Wild Man” hand-carved mask valued at $1,500. All proceeds from the Silent Auction go to the
Squamish Nation Youth Centre. The highest bidder will be determined at the close of the exhibition, Sunday, June 25.
We hope you will join us on National Aboriginal Day and celebrate the unique heritage of our First Nations People!

For more information contact Grouse Mountain Guest Services at 980-9311

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