TEASERS: THE MOVIES OF ’87

The following listing of movies planned for 1987 release is divided into four time zones: Coming Soon (the January-February period), Spring (March through mid-May), Summer (mid-May to September) and Fall-Winter (September through Christmas). At the tail end of the listing are several films that as yet have no play dates.

Many of the names and dates will change--and some of these movies may go directly from production to cable television or videocassette or someone’s shelf. (Each year a smattering of films somehow slips through the cracks.)

In many cases, the film makers and/or their production and/or distribution companies took a Top Secret position on their movies. And, indeed, many of these films are still in various states of negotiation and preparation. Some don’t even have directors or casts yet.

But here’s Calendar’s 1987 compilation, more than 350 films. Enjoy.

COMING SOON

January-February play dates

“Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold”--Richard Chamberlain returns as intrepid explorer Allan Quatermain (last seen in “King Solomon’s Mines”). This time, he and fiance Jesse (Sharon Stone, also returning) are on a quest for Quatermain’s brother, who disappeared in the African wilderness in search of a lost civilization. J. Lee Thompson is back as director. With James Earl Jones, Henry Silva, Robert Donner, Cassandra Peterson (Elvira). Based on the oft-filmed tale by H. Rider Haggard. (Cannon)

“Alpine Fire”--A deaf-mute (Thomas Nock) cared for by his older sister (Johanna Lier) have only one another as friends (they live in the Alps). It’s a relationship that’s altered by an incestuous evening. Fredi Murer directs. (Vestron)

“The Assault”--Dutch film about a boy struggling to cope with the mysterious massacre of his family. Best film of the Seattle International Film Festival. Fons Rademakers earned best-director honors. With Monique Van De Ven and Derek De Lint. Opens Friday. (Cannon)

“Beaks”--Feathered fiends (a la Hitchcock’s “The Birds”) generate the thrills/chills, with Rene Cardona Jr. directing. Stars Christopher Atkins and Michelle Johnson. (Ascot Entertainment Group)

“The Bedroom Window”--Steve Guttenberg winds up in the middle of a Hitchcockian murder mystery--all due to an affair he had with his boss’ wife. To absolve himself of an unjustified murder rap, he plots a scenario that leads him from peril to romance. Curtis Hanson writes-directs. With Elizabeth McGovern, Isabelle Huppert, Carl Lumbly, Wallace Shawn, Frederick Coffin. Opens Friday. (DEG)

“Beyond Therapy”--Robert Altman directs Glenda Jackson, Tom Conti, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Guest and Julie Hagerty in a comedy love story about two neurotic therapists and two equally neurotic patients. Christopher Durang scripted, from his stage play. (New World)

“Black Widow”--Debra Winger is a Justice Department investigator obsessed with apprehending a beautiful woman (Theresa Russell) with her own obsession--a deadly one: She seduces, marries and murders wealthy men. Psychological thriller complicates when the two women come to like and understand one another. Bob Rafelson directs (his first film since “The Postman Always Rings Twice”). With Nicol Williamson, Sami Frey, Dennis Hopper, Leo Rossi, Diane Ladd, Terry O’Quinn. (Fox)

“Blood Hook”--Tongue-in-cheeky thriller about a murder spree in the American north woods. James Mallon directs Mark Jacobs and Lisa Todd. (Troma)

“Body Slam”--Comedy about a down-but-not-yet-out rock ‘n’ roll personal manager whose career takes a (crash! bam!) turn when he begins handling (thud!) professional rasslers. Directed by Hal Needham, who usually directs slamming cars. With Dirk Benedict, Tanya Roberts, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Captain Lou Albano. (DEG)

“Burglar”--Whoops! Whoopi Goldberg is a cat burglar (with a day job as a bookstore owner) who inadvertently witnesses a crime and, with her pet-groomer friend (Bob Goldthwait), is framed for murder. Hugh Wilson writes and directs. Based on Lawrence Block’s novel. With G. W. Bailey and Lesley Ann Warren. (Warners)

“Burke & Wills”--All about the historic 1860 expedition of Robert Burke and William Wills, the first to traverse Australia from south to north and map the territory. Graeme Clifford directs Jack Thompson, Nigel Havers, Greta Scacchi. (Hemdale)

“Busted Up”--Earl Bird is a guy who’s just trying to save his neighborhood from being taken over by nasty hoodlums. There’s also a corrupt, local “front man” working with the villains, and that makes Earl’s job all the tougher. Conrad E. Palmisano directs. Stars Irene Cara and Paul Coufos. (Shapiro)

“The Butterfly Revolution”--Penelope Spheeris co-scripted an adaptation of William Butler’s popular teen novel, about kids at a summer camp who rebel against the sadistic camp boss (Chuck Connors). The result is “Lord of the Flies”-like. With Charles Stratton, Adam Carl, Harold ‘P’ Pruett, Melissa Brennan, Tom Fridley, Stuart Rogers. Burt L. Dragin directs. (Concorde)

“Caviar Rouge”--Two Russian agents--former lovers--are summoned to an apartment in a suburb of Geneva where they find a single furnished room, le caviar rouge (red caviar, which is American and considered inferior by Soviets) and a KGB superior who implores the two to discover, supposedly between themselves, which one was responsible for the recent brutal murder of another agent. Robert Hossein co-scripted, directs and stars with (real-life wife) Candice Patou. In French with English subtitles. (Galaxy)

“The Color Purple”--Reissue of Steven Spielberg’s controversial adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the struggles (over a 40-year period) of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), a Southern black. (Warners)

“Comic Magazine”--Kind of a Japanese version of “True Stories,” as director Yojiro Takita fictionalizes actual stories that happened in Japan that were reported in that country’s equivalent of the National Enquirer. With Yuya Uchida, Yumi Asou. (Cinecom)

“Critical Condition”--Richard Pryor is a convicted criminal who fakes insanity to avoid prison and ends up in a hospital’s mental ward. That’s when the crazy stuff happens . . . see, there’s this power failure that allows Pryor to escape from the ward disguised as a doctor who happens to befriend the harried female administrator. Michael Apted directs. With Rachel Ticotin, Ruben Blades, Joe Dallesandro, Sylvia Miles, Bob Dishy, Joe Mantegna, Randall (Tex) Cobb. Opens Friday. (Paramount)

“Dead of Winter”--Mary Steenburgen plays an aspiring New York actress who’s got to give the performance of her life--if she wants to stay alive. The reason: She allowed herself to be lured into a scheme concocted by two blackmailers (and a murderer). Arthur Penn directs. With Roddy McDowall and Jan Rubes. (MGM/UA)

“Death Before Dishonor”--Fred Dryer is Gunnery Sgt. Jackson Burns who, with his troupe of elite reconnaissance Marines, specializes in stopping terrorism. Wouldn’t you know it--they’re assigned to a security post in an Arab kingdom of Jamal where (coincidentally!) two of the world’s most deadly terrorists just happen to be (and they’re not there as tourists). With Brian Keith and Joanna Pacula. Terry Leonard (veteran stunt coordinator) directs. (New World)

“Dolls”--A vacationing family is forced to take shelter in a Gothic mansion where an elderly couple makes a seemingly innocent line of dolls. Don’t believe it! This one’s directed by Stuart (“Re-Animator”) Gordon. With Stephen Lee, Guy Rolfe, Hilary Mason, Carrie Lorraine, Ian Patrick Williams. (Empire)

“Dangerously Close”--This one is described to us as “an ‘80s damsel-in-distress-adventure, a crazy Mexican melodrama and a deadpan comedy--all rolled into one.” That is, there’s this kidnaped innocent (Carey Lowell), a chain-smoking soldier of fortune (Charles Rocket) and a priceless, jewel-encrusted artifact that everyone’s dying to get their hands on. Albert Pyun directs. With Thom Mathews and Trudi Dochtermann. (Cannon)

“The Element of Crime”--Danish film, shot in English, which takes place after what may have been World War III with Michael Elphick as a detective in pursuit of a bizarre serial killer. Lars von Trier directs. Winner of Cannes’ Grand Prix Technique award. (Reel Movies International)

“Emanon”--Friendship between a wealthy, crippled young boy and a street bum endowed with magical powers results in a series of adventures. Stuart Paul writes-directs-stars. With Cheryl Lynn, Patrick Wright and Jeremy Miller. (IFM)

“Feel the Heat”--A “gorgeous but tough” cop from Chinatown (Tiana Alexandra) goes undercover as an exotic dancer to find a Buenos Aires heroin connection. She’s assisted by the undercover narc who loves her. Joel Silberg directs from a Stirling Silliphant script. With Rod Steiger and David Dukes. (Trans World)

“The Fringe Dwellers”--Bruce Beresford-directed story of a teen-age aborigine girl named Trilby (Kristina Nehm) who coaxes her family to move from a shanty into one of the tract houses of a recently settled Australian town. The experiences that follow, with neighbors (who don’t approve of the colorful way that the aborigines have moved in) and at school, make for Trilby’s coming of age. From the novel by Nene Gare. (Atlantic)

“The Good Father”--Marriage and divorce, ‘80s-style, get the comedic treatment as publishing exec Anthony Hopkins, emotionally and financially devastated by his divorce, goads a schoolteacher-chum (Jim Broadbent) in a similar situation (well, his wife has taken a female lover) into fighting back. The two hire a wildly unscrupulous lawyer (Simon Callow) to get revenge--which turns out to be something neither expected. Mike Newell directs. (Skouras)

“The Good Wife”--Rachel Ward is a young wife whose passion for a handsome rogue threatens her marriage. With Bryan Brown and Sam Neill. Ken Cameron directs. (Atlantic)

“Graveyard Shift”--A loathsome, 350-year-old vampire works the night shift as a cab driver in the heart of NYC. Meanwhile, the police are baffled by the mysterious deaths of New Yorkers (who suffered incredible loss of blood). Director Gerard Ciccoritti. Stars Silvio Oliviero and Helen Papas. (Shapiro)

“Happy Hour”--An idealistic young scientist inadvertently invents the world’s most perfect, protein-rich additive--which works only when it’s added to beer. Trouble brews when the world’s major breweries, including the corrupt Marshall Beer execs, scheme to get hold of the formula. With Richard Gilliland, Jamie Farr, Tawny Kitaen, Rich Little. John De Bello directs. (Movie Store)

“High Tide”--Director Gillian Armstrong and Judy Davis reteam (after “My Brilliant Career”) with the story of a dancer who returns to a remote coastal town and meets her abandoned daughter from a failed marriage. (Hemdale)

“Honeymoon”--A French woman marries an American in order to obtain U.S. citizenship, only to find that her husband is a deranged killer--and she is a probable victim. Patrick Jamain writes-directs. With Nathalie Baye, John Shea, Richard Berry. (IFM)

“Hot Shot”--A young man’s goal to become a world-class soccer player leads him to Brazil where he hopes to meet and learn from the legendary soccer superstar he idolizes. Rick King directs Jim Youngs and legendary soccer superstar Pele. (IFM)

“Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star”--There’s interplanetary romance in store when a visitor from the Planet Taros (Sydney Penny) defies her elders and journeys to earth, where she meets the handsome son of a rancher (Ricky Paull Goldin). Along with falling in love, they discover that they have the same concerns for the future of earth. Peter Hunt directs. With Keenan Wynn (in his last role), Rosie Marcel, Gail Strickland and “Kirbi the Tri-Lat ,” an alien pet that is tri-laterally symmetrical. (Tri-Star)

“Iron Warrior”--Italian-made sword and sorcery adventure with Miles O’Keefe (former Tarzan) protecting a beautiful princess and a doomed village. Paul Bradley directs. (Trans World)

“Jocks”--Anything goes--on and off the court--when an odd-ball tennis team (dubious pride of a Los Angeles college) journeys to Las Vegas for a regional college tennis tourney. Steve Carver directs Scott Strader, Perry Lang, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Roundtree, Christopher Lee. (Crown)

“Kangaroo”--D. H. Lawrence’s novel of political intrigue and romance in Australia, with central characters loosely based on Lawrence and his wife (and Lawrence’s efforts to insert his control over her life), stars Judy Davis and Colin Freils. Tim Burstall directs. (Cineplex Odeon)

“Keeping Track”--A bank exec and a TV repairman learn that the truth can kill when high level political shenanigans propel them into a deadly game with the CIA, KGB and the RCMP (that’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police). Robin Spry directs Margot Kidder and Michael Sarrazin. (Shapiro)

“L’amour en douce”--Edouard Molinaro-directed bittersweet comedy about the relationship between Marc, his wife, his loves and his friends. Daniel Auteuil and Sophie Barjac star. (European Film Classics)

“L’anne des meduses”--Dramatic, erotic “duel of love” involving a nymphomaniac and a gigolo. Christopher Frank directs Valerie Kaprisky and Bernard Giraudeau. (European Film Classics)

“Lionheart: The Children’s Crusade”--A 15-year-old knight (Eric Stoltz) who has taken an oath to fight for Justice is disillusioned when his father leads him into battle to acquire new territory. So he leaves home (atop his horse, Pasha), on a quest to meet King Richard the Lionheart. Along the way, who does he encounter but (hiss!) the Black Prince. Franklin J. Schaffner directs. Francis Coppola co-exec produces. With Gabriel Byrne, Nicola Cowper, Deborah Leigh Moore. (Orion)

“Lethal Weapon”--Mel Gibson (sporting long hair and earring) and Danny Glover are Vietnam vets turned L.A. cops. (Glover’s a devoted family man, Gibson doesn’t have a family to be devoted to.) The investigation of a suicide, which turns out to be a murder, leads them back to the war they thought they’d left behind. Richard Donner directs. With Gary Busey, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe. (Warners)

“Light of Day”--Paul Schrader writes and directs the saga of a rock ‘n’ rollin’ brother and sister (Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett) struggling to escape from their small-town, blue-collar life via their music. With Gena Rowlands and a title song written for the film by Bruce Springsteen. (Tri-Star)

“Lord of the Dance”--Documentary about a secret Buddhist ritual that takes place annually in Tibet. Includes the last known footage of Trulshig Rinpoche, the since-deceased famous presider of the performance. Directed by Richard Kohn. Stars Rinpoche and other “real believers.” (First Run)

“Made in Heaven”--The lengths to which a guy will go for love! Director Alan Rudolph finds Timothy Hutton traveling to Heaven, where he encounters True Love in heavenly tour guide Kelly McGillis. But she’s a new soul--that is, she was born in Heaven. So she’s dispatched to Earth to live out her first life-cycle. Which means Hutton goes after her--after persuading the “man in charge” to allow him to be reborn. With Maureen Stapleton, Ann Wedgeworth, Don Murray, Timothy Daly, Mare Winningham and Amanda Plummer. (Fox)

“Mannequin”--Michael Gottlieb co-scripts-directs a romantic comedy about stock-room clerk Andrew McCarthy, who falls in love with a beautiful department store mannequin Kim Cattrall, who (surprise!) comes to life. With Estelle Getty (of “The Golden Girls”). (Fox)

“Meatballs III”--A shy adolescent working at a summer resort overcomes his ineptitude with women with the assistance of a rather unusual guardian angel--a deceased porno queen! George Mendeluk directs Sally Kellerman, Patrick Dempsey, Shannon Tweed and Al Waxman. (Movie Store)

“Morgan Stewart’s Coming Home”--Screwball comedy, set in Washington, about a teen-ager who resorts to unconventional methods to get his wealthy parents to act “normal.” Jon Cryer, Lynn Redgrave and Viveka Davis star. Alan Smithee directs. (Alan Smithee, or any variation thereof, is an industry pseudonym--used, for one reason or other, in place of the original director’s name.) (Kings Road)

“My Sweet Little Village”--Comedy about a Czech village and its eccentric inhabitants--including a Laurel and Hardy-like truck driving team, an unorthodox doctor (whose prescriptions are humane as opposed to scientific), an adulterous couple, an insanely jealous husband, a love-struck teen-ager, a bohemian artist, a temperamental grave digger and, of course, the town gossip. Jiri Menzel directs Janos Ban, Marian Labuda, Rudolf Hrusinsky, Milena Dvorska. Won a Special Jury Prize at the Montreal Film Festival. Opens Friday. (Circle)

“Neon Maniacs”--Teens are in for trouble when they encounter a monsters’ lair beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Joseph Mangine directs Allan Hayes, Donna Locke, Lelani Sarelle. (Castle Hill/Bedford)

“Nightmare on Elm Street III: The Dream Warriors”--Wes Craven returns (he did “Nightmare I,” not “II”) as director/co-writer of Freddie Kruger’s latest evil doings. With Robert Englund as Freddie (of course), Heather Langenkamp (the plucky survivor of “I”), Craig Wasson and special appearances by Dick Cavett and Zsa Zsa Gabor! (New Line)

“Number One With a Bullet”--Urban police thriller with Robert Carradine and Billy Dee Williams as undercover cops attempting to break open a narcotics ring after a suspect is murdered in their custody. With Valerie Bertinelli, Peter Graves, Doris Roberts. Jack Smight directs. (Cannon)

“Omega Syndrome”--A distinguished foreign news correspondent (Ken Wahl) goes into action (and we don’t mean behind the news desk) when his daughter is kidnaped by a right-wing terrorist group. Joseph Manduke directs. With George DiCenzo, Ron Kuhlman, Doug McClure. (New World)

“On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine”--Expatriate poet Gertrude Stein (Linda Bassett) and her longtime companion Alice B. Toklas (Linda Hunt) are the centers of a study of friendship, art and love, loosely based on the facts of their lives. Set in France in the ‘30s, the “cast” includes Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and French poet Apollinaire. Jill Godmilow directs. With Bruce McGill and Andrew McCarthy. (Skouras)

“One Woman or Two”--Sigourney Weaver, Gerard Depardieu and Dr. Ruth Westheimer in a French film with English subtitles about a paleontologist’s (Depardieu) important discovery, and his efforts to gain research funding from a wealthy American philanthropist. Daniel Vigne directs. (Orion Classics)

“Opera do Malandro”--French/Brazilian co-production set in Rio in 1941, involving a German nightclub-bordello owner, his hostess, her charmer-boyfriend, the Pearl Harbor attack (which results in retaliatory raids on German-owned Rio clubs) and assorted double-dealings, all set to a hot tango score and directed by Ray Guerra. With Edson Celulari, Claudia Ohana, Elba Ramalho. (Goldwyn)

“Outrageous Fortune”--Bette Midler and Shelley Long are rivals who become unlikely friends during a rowdy cross-country journey to find the guy (Peter Coyote) who two-timed them. Arthur Hiller directs the female buddy comedy. With George Carlin and Robert Prosky. (Buena Vista)

“Over the Top”--Sylvester Stallone flexes his biceps (what else?) as an arm-wrestling trucker who’s got to win a world championship or he’ll lose his son to his millionaire father-in-law. Will he do it? C’mon. . . ! Co-scripted by Stallone and Stirling Silliphant. Directed by Menahem Golan. With Robert Loggia, Susan Blakely and David Mendenhall. (Warners.)

“The Pink Chiquitas”--Strange, sex-craved females are created by a pink, pulsating meteorite that crashes in Beansville, U.S.A. It’s up to Tony Mareda Jr. (Frank Stallone), America’s greatest private eye, to save the world from these Amazon women who are out for blood. Anthony Currie directs. With John Hemphill and Eartha Kitt as (no kidding) the voice of Betty the Meteorite. (Shapiro)

“Place of Weeping”--Non-whites made this South African film about the harsh inequities endured by black farm laborers in a small farming community in Weenen, South Africa where a black woman encounters trauma, abuse and jeopardy, and struggles for freedom. Darrell Roodt writes-directs. With (South African actors) James Whyle, Gcina Mhlophe and Charles Comyn. (New World)

“PrettyKill”--Action-thriller about a sophisticated call girl (Season Hubley) trapped in a scheme of deceit and murder that threatens to destroy her relationship with disillusioned policeman David Birney. With Susannah York, Yaphet Kotto, Suzanna Snyder. George Kaczender directs. (Spectrafilm)

“Radio Days”--Woody Allen’s valentine to big-time radio of the late ‘30s and early ‘40s stars Dianne Wiest, Mia Farrow, Julie Kavner. No, Allen’s not in it--not officially. But there is a kid who seems a lot like a little Woody. (Orion)

“Rage of Honor”--Sho Kosugi is an undercover cop in Phoenix who insists on pursuing a killer--despite his wife’s objections. When she’s killed, Kosugi really wants that killer. Gordon Hessler directs. (Trans World)

“Red Headed Stranger”--Willie Nelson’s 1976 concept album is the basis for this saga of the Rev. Julian Shay (Nelson), who leaves Philadelphia for the Montana wilds with his new bride (Morgan Fairchild) at his side. Unable to make the necessary sacrifices demanded of a preacher’s wife, she eventually leaves with an old lover. In gunning them down, the Rev falls from grace. Ah, but he finds renewed life when he meets a widow (Katharine Ross) and her son. Bill Wittliff writes-directs (he and Nelson teamed for “Barbarosa”). (Alive)

“Return to Horror High”--Watch out! History repeats itself when a low-budget film crew goes to a deserted high school to make a film about a series of unsolved grisly murders that happened there years earlier. Pretty soon, it’s hard to tell who’s dying on cue and who’s just dying. Bill Froehlich co-scripted/and directs. With Vince Edwards, Lori Lethin, Brendan Hughes, Philip McKeon, Alex Rocco, Maureen McCormick. (New World).

“River’s Edge”--Loosely based on a real-life Marin County episode, this Tim Hunter-directed film is about a tightknit group of high school friends. When one of them kills a classmate, no one bothers (at first) to tell the police; but they do take friends back and forth, to view the body. Stars Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye Leitch, Roxana Zal, Dennis Hopper. (Hemdale)

“Scenes From the Gold Mine”--The travails of a promising Los Angeles rock ‘n’ roll band, whose lead singer succumbs to temptation (and money) and takes credit for songs written by his girlfriend/band member. Marc Rocco co-scripts and directs. With Cameron Dye, Catherine Mary Stewart, Steve Railsback, Joe Pantoliano. (Hemdale)

“Shadey”--Science fiction-black comedy about a young man (Tony Sher) who can read minds and print what he sees onto photographic film. He offers his services to millionaire Patrick Macnee, who gets him involved with the Secret Service. As a form of revenge, the mind reader teams with Macnee’s wacky wife, Katherine Helmond. Philip Saville directs. (Skouras)

“Slate, Wyn and Me”--Two brothers on the run from the law encounter a young woman; then it’s brother against brother. Don McLennan writes-directs this Australian drama. With Sigrid Thornton, Simon Burke, Martin Sacks. (Hemdale)

“Some Kind of Wonderful”--More angst from teen-scene king producer-writer John Hughes, this one about a young man “torn between the expectations of his family and friends and his desire to be his own person” who becomes infatuated with one of the hottest girls at school, only to discover “true love lies elsewhere.” Wow! Howard Deutch (“Pretty in Pink”) directs Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, Lea Thompson, Craig Sheffer. (Paramount)

“Sorekara”--A young man is reunited with his best friend’s wife, with whom he is in love. Japan’s Yoshimitsu Morita directs Yusaku Matsuda, Miwako Fujitani, Kaoru Kobayashi. (New Yorker Films)

“Square Dance”--Daniel Petrie produces-directs a bittersweet love story about a 13-year-old girl (Winona Ryder) who leaves her grandfather (Jason Robards) and his farm to spend a summer in the city with the mother (Jane Alexander) who deserted her years earlier. Among her discoveries: first love with a mentally retarded young man (Rob Lowe.) Exec produced by Alexander, Charles Haid and Michael Nesmith. (Island)

“The Stepfather”--Terry O’Quinn plays the ideal father of the ideal American family . . . or so it seems. Psychological-suspense-thriller about a man whose suave demeanor masks deeply-rooted dementia. Shelley Hack co-stars. Joseph Ruben directs. (New Century Vista)

“Straight to Hell”--Alex Cox, who co-wrote/directs, calls this one “a new-wave spaghetti Western.” Well, OK (Cox previously did “Repo Man” and “Sid and Nancy”--new-wave sans spaghetti). Filmed in Spain, it stars Cy Richardson, Joe Strummer (formerly of the Clash), Dick Rude, Courtney Love. With cameos by Dennis Hopper, Grace Jones, Jim Jarmusch, Elvis Costello and the rock band the Pogues. (Island)

“Sweet Country”--Michael Cacoyannis writes/directs/produces a study of the current political situation in Chile (from the overthrow of the Allende regime in 1973 to the present), as it affects a prominent, politically liberal family. With Jane Alexander, John Cullum, Carole Laure, Franco Nero, Joanna Pettet, Randy Quaid, Irene Papas. (Cinema Group)

“Therese”--France’s Alain Cavalier directs this story of a young girl’s dream to do what her two sisters have done--become a Carmelite nun. Stars Catherine Mouchet, Aurore Prieto, Sylvie Habault. (Circle Releasing)

“Trespasses”--When a ranch owner’s son is brutally murdered by a gang of drifters, Dad decides to teach the killers a lesson. Co-directors are Adam Roarke and Loren Bivens. Stars Robert Kuhn, Thom Myers and Marina Rice. (Shapiro)

“Undercover”--School days, school days. . . . The death of an undercover cop at Calhoun High brings a second investigator into the school’s “drug-infested and dangerous corridors.” John Stockwell co-writes/directs. With David Neidorf, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barry Corbin, David Harris, Kathleen Wilhoite, David Denny. (Cannon)

“Visages de Femmes”--An African study of people making the transition from bartering to a monetary system. Desire Ecare writes/directs/produces. With Eugenia Cisse Roland, Albertine N’Guessan, Kouadio Brou. (New Yorker Films)

“Wanted: Dead or Alive”--Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer), bounty hunter and former CIA agent and great-grandson of bounty hunter Josh Randall (Steve McQueen of the old “Wanted: Dead or Alive” TV oater) is called in to put a stop to a lone terrorist (Gene Simmons) who is giving Los Angeles uneasy days and nights. Gary Sherman directs. With Robert Guillaume. Opens Friday. (New World)

“The Wind”--A mystery writer (Meg Foster) in search of solitude goes to an isolated Greek town--a walled-in fortress--where real-life mysteries (and murder) unfold, ultimately pitting writer against killer. Nico Mastorakis directs. With Wings Hauser, David McCallum, John Michaels, Summer Thomas, Tracy Young, Robert Morley, Steve Railsback. (Pegasus Films)

“The Zero Boys”--Six young people (three guys, three gals) head for the mountains on “the perfect Southern California Saturday.” But after they discover an abandoned cabin, and they’re discovered by a maniac, the day is not so perfect. Nico Mastorakis writes-directs this survival story. With Daniel Hirsch, Kelli Maroney, Joe Phelan, Jared Moses. (Pegasus Films)

SPRING

“Adventure of the Action Hunters”--An innocent couple find themselves thrust into a frantic hunt for hidden treasure--leading to confrontations with gun-toting gangsters and train, car and boat chases. Set in the 1940s. Lee Bonner directs. Stars Ronald Hunter and Sean Murphy. (Troma)

“Alien Predator”--College kids Dennis Christopher, Martin Hewitt, Lynn-Holly Johnson vacation in Spain--and discover that the people of a small town are being taken over by creatures that vegetate from within. (A piece of Sky Lab spawned the critters.) Daran Sarafian directs. (Trans World)

“Amazon Women on the Moon”--John Landis exec produces a comic attack on “the minor and major annoyances of contemporary living,” up to and including video sex! The directors: Landis, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, Robert K. Weiss, Joe Dante. Much of the satire is aimed at the media as a playback of favorite genres (like ‘50s sci-fiers and “flaming” youth exposes). The cast: Rosanna Arquette, Ralph Bellamy, Steve Guttenberg, Carrie Fisher, Griffin Dunne, Michelle Pfeiffer, Howard Hesseman, Steve Forrest, nudie king Russ Meyer, Paul Bartel, Steve Allen, Henny Youngman, Rip Taylor, Lou Jacobi, B.B. King, Sybil Danning, Ed Begley Jr. (Universal)

“American Ninja 2”--More chop-sockey as Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff) and Sgt. Curtis Jackson (Steve James) reteam. Sam Firstenberg directs. (Cannon)

“Angel Heart”--Mickey Rourke is down-and-out private eye Harry Angel, who’s hired by sinister Louis Cyphre (a ponytailed Robert De Niro) to track down a former big-band singer. The ‘50s-era search takes Rourke from the heart of New York to the mysterious bayou country of New Orleans, where voodoo is no laughing matter. Alan Parker writes/directs. (Tri-Star)

“The Aristocats”--Reissue of the 1970 animated feature--the first in which Walt Disney was not personally involved, about a Parisian family of cats who become heirs to a fabulous fortune, circa 1910. With the vocal talents of Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway. (Buena Vista) “Best Seller”--Psychological thriller about two men from opposite sides of the law, with different moral values, who must unite to tear down a powerful corporation head who gained his wealth and power through assassinations and robberies. Stars James Woods and Brian Dennehy. John Flynn directs. (Orion)

“The Big Easy”--Dennis Quaid is a flashy young detective, Ellen Barkin a conservative lawyer. Their investigation of a series of New Orleans murders exposes corruption in the police department and strains old friendships. Jim McBride directs. With Ned Beatty. (Kings Road)

“Blind Date”--”Whatever you do, don’t let her drink.” That’s the only warning an executive (Bruce Willis) gets when he arranges to take a blind date (Kim Basinger) to an important client dinner. Do you think he heeds it? (Hic!) Blake Edwards directs. With John Larroquette and William Daniels. (Tri-Star)

“Blue Movies”--The comic exploits of a couple of money-hungry guys who come up with a way to generate some quick cash: They make a porno film. Co-directed by Paul Koval and Edmund Fitzgerald. With Steve Levitt, Larry Poindexter, Lucinda Crosby. (Distributor pending)

“Bobo”--Howie Mandel has been living a dog’s life--literally--until he’s returned to his family (after separation at infancy and some 25 years in the wild). Now he’s got to adjust to life in the suburbs--and a greedy brother (Christopher Lloyd) who thinks he’s unworthy of inheriting his late father’s millions. Will Bobo learn to stand on his own two feet? Melvin Frank directs. With Cloris Leachman, Colleen Camp and Amy Steel. (MGM/UA)

“Broken Mirrors”--Feminist film-maker Marleen Gorris (“A Question of Silence”) helms a murder mystery set in a brothel. It touches on the lives of the women employed there and examines why they do what they do for a living. With Lineke Rijxman and Henriette Tol. (First Run Features)

“Burnin’ Love”--Patrick Cassidy, Barbara Carrera and Kelly Preston in what’s called “a totally unhistorical movie comedy inspired by the Salem witch trials.” John Moffitt directs. (DEG)

“Campus Man”--All about the misadventures of a college entrepreneur who convinces his roommate--a hunky college diving champ--to be part of the school’s all-male (hubba-hubba) calendar. Ron Casden directs John Dye, Kim Delaney, Kathleen Wilhoite, Steve Lyon, Morgan Fairchild and Miles O’Keefe. (Paramount)

“Cherry 2000”--The year is 2017. Romance is but a memory. Just ask David Andrews, whose robot love partner has just had an internal meltdown. So it’s off to the lawless zone he goes, in search of a replacement. His guide: tough-talking Melanie Griffith, who shows him there’s more to love than, ah, hot wiring. (Orion)

“China Girl”--Set in the streets and back alleys of Lower Manhattan, this is a drama about forbidden love, a la Romeo and Juliet. Abel Ferrara directs Sari Chang, Richard Panebianco. (Vestron)

“Coming up Roses”--One of the first Welsh films to be seen outside Wales involves the closure of the last picture show in a tiny, isolated village. The town takes the closing hard--especially the projectionist and the concession stand girl, who team to revive the theater (and their hopes). Stephen Bayly directs. With Dafydd Hywel, Iola Gregory, Olive Michael, Mari Emlyn. (Skouras)

“Commando Squad”--Brian Thompson and Kathy Shower (Playboy’s playmate of last year) are agents working for a government unit that searches out and destroys drug operations in America. Their investigations lead them to a small isolated town run by William Smith (in his now-stock bad guy fashion). Fred Olen Ray directs. (Trans World)

“Cutting Loose”--Bangles’ lead singer Susanna Hoffs stars in the comedy adventures of a group of friends during graduation weekend at a seaside college. Hoffs’ mom, Tamar Simon Hoffs, co-writes/directs. With Dedee Pfeiffer, Joan Cusack, John Terlesky, James Anthony Shanta, Michael Ontkean, Pam Grier. (Universal)

“Dudes”--Three young punk rockers from New York head for sunny California--only to be waylaid in Big Sky country when they’re viciously attacked and robbed by a band of violent outlaws. One of the out-of-towners is murdered. After making their way across the desert, the survivors report the crime--only to find that their story isn’t taken too seriously. (After all, they don’t look like the rest of the folk out that way do.) So they resolve to get vengeance--in classic Western fashion. Penelope Spheeris directs. With Jon Cryer, Catherine Mary Stewart, Daniel Roebuck, Lee Ving, Flea a.k.a. Michael Balzary, Billy Ray Sharkey. (New Century/Vista)

“Eat the Peach”--Frustrated by life in a small Irish border town, Vinnie and Arthur are ordinary men who set out to do something extraordinary. It all begins when they see the old Elvis Presley movie “Roustabout,” in which Elvis rides a motorcycle along a Wall of Death. Vinnie and Arthur set out to do that, too, on their very own Wall of Death built on the outskirts of town. But to finance their project they must hire themselves out to run pigs, videos and booze across the border for the local smuggling baron . . . leading to consequences. Stars Stephen Brennan, Eamon Morrissey, Catherine Byrne. (Skouras)

“84 Charing Cross Road”--Sassy New York writer Anne Bancroft’s passion for antiquarian literature results in a reply to an ad for second-hand books, which results in a transatlantic love affair that spans 20 years. Based on the book by Helene Hanff. David Jones directs. Also stars Anthony Hopkins. (Columbia)

“End of the Line”--Two best friends--career railroad workers (Wilford Brimley, Levon Helm)--find their lives in turmoil after it’s announced that the shipping yard is closing. Jay Russell directs. With Mary Steenburgen, Kevin Bacon, Barbara Barrie, Holly Hunter. (Orion Classics)

“Extreme Prejudice”--Walter Hill directs an action-adventure about six ex-soldiers--officially classified as killed in action--who are, it turns out, very much alive and involved in a conspiracy scheme that could have far-reaching effects. With Nick Nolte as . a Texas Ranger and Powers Boothe as his childhood buddy--turned-enemy, a rich businessman who controls the local drug and alien-smuggling trade. From a story co-authored by John Milius. With Maria Conchita Alonso and Michael Ironside. (Tri-Star)

“Fatal Attraction”--Michael Douglas stars in a suspense thriller about the repercussions of Douglas’ one-night stand--all thanks to a crazed young woman. Directed by Adrian Lyne. With Glenn Close and Anne Archer. (Paramount)

“Fire and Ice”--Willy Bogner directs what’s tabbed “the ski explosion of the decade” (it’s also a romantic comedy), with action on the slopes of St. Moritz, Alta, Vail, Aspen, Caraboos, Maui (there’s snow on the Haliakila crater!) and Snow Bird. With ski-queen Suzy Chaffee and “the Don Johnson of Germany,” John Eaves. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Flowers in the Attic”--Jeffrey Bloom writes/directs a tale of children who must stay hidden in the attic of their grandmother’s house, or their disinherited mother (Victoria Tennant) will not be reinstated in the family will. Ah, but as the little ones are locked up, there are illnesses in the family . . . time passes . . . and the flowers in the attic begin to “bloom.” Based on the novel by V. C. Andrews. With Louise Fletcher, Kristi Swanson, Jeb Adams. (New World)

“Full Metal Jacket”--Stanley Kubrick’s long-awaited (and long-in-the-making) saga of an 18-year-old Marine recruit, from his carnage-and- machismo initiation camp to his involvement on the field in Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Kubrick writes/directs/produces. Stars Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Dorian Harewood. (Warners)

“Gardens of Stone”--The title refers to a military cemetery; the story involves a career Army sergeant (James Caan) who develops a paternal relationship with a young recruit--a young man with idealistic, patriotic beliefs in the Vietnam War. At the same time, the sergeant finds himself falling in love with a female Washington Post reporter (Anjelica Huston) who is strongly opposed to the Army’s actions. Directed by Francis Coppola. With James Earl Jones, Mary Stuart Masterson. (Tri-Star)

“The Gate”--Ancient demons attempt to reestablish their dominence over the earth by dominating a group of young people who are driven to open the “gate to hell.” Tibor Takacs directs Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp, Christa Denton. (New Century/Vista)

“Gothic”--Ken Russell-directed thriller set in 1816 in a remote villa in Switzerland where poets Byron; Shelley; Mary Shelley; Shelley’s half-sister, Claire, and a Dr. Polidori have gathered. In this fictionalized interpretation of what might have happened to real-life people, odd nightly happenings (up to and including opium-induced visions) become Mary Shelley’s inspiration to write the legendary shocker “Frankenstein.” With Julian Sands, Natasha Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, Timothy Pall, Myriam Cyr. (Vestron)

“Hack-O-Lantern”--The peaceful quiet of a rural community is interrupted by a series of violent murders. Jagmohan Mundhra directs Patricia Christie and Greg Scott. (Distributor pending).

“Heat”--Based on the novel by William Goldman (who also scripts) about an ex-mercenary (Burt Reynolds) turned Las Vegas bodyguard. He furiously fights to avenge the violent abuse of a female friend and becomes engulfed in a life-or-death struggle with the mob. Directed by Dick Richards. Co-stars Karen Young, Peter MacNicol, Diana Scarwid, Howard Hesseman, Neill Barry. (New Century/Vista)

“Hollywood Shuffle”--Robert Townsend writes/directs/stars as a hopeful young actor whose dreams of stardom result in a comical journey through Hollywood. Among the sights: neurotic casting agents, temperamental actors, vain directors, Oscar fantasies. And there’s always the temptation of “selling out.” With Anne-Marie Johnson, Helen Martin, John Witherspoon. (Goldwyn)

“Hot Pursuit”--Romantic adventure about a teen-ager’s (John Cusack) efforts to rescue his girlfriend’s family from murderous drug runners. Steve Lisberger writes-directs. With Robert Loggia, Wendy Gazelle. (Paramount)

“Hunter’s Blood”--A group of hunters on a weekend hunting trip ignore a sheriff’s warnings about a deviant gang of dangerous poachers lurking in the woods. Robert C. Hughes directs Sam Bottoms, Kim Delaney, Clu Gulager, Mayf Nutter. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Hunk”--The adventures of Bradley Brinkman, computer hack, who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for the Yuppie scene. As a California dreamboat, Brinkman’s popular, rich and oh-so-hip. But as he soon discovers, there’s hell to pay for this new life style. Lawrence Bassoff directs John Allen Nelson, Deborah Shelton, James Coco, Rebecca Bush, Robert Morse, Avery Schreiber. (Crown)

“Innerspace”--Steven Spielberg exec produces and Joe Dante directs an action-adventure-comedy about the unique relationship that develops between an everyday supermarket clerk (Martin Short) and a hard-living test pilot (Dennis Quaid) who is miniaturized and, inadvertently, injected into the clerk’s body. With Meg Ryan. (Warners)

“Interzone”--All that’s left in the aftermath of World War III is a small haven protected by a secret treasure. It just so happens that warring parties are after that treasure. Deran Serafian directs Bruce Abbott and Tegan Clive. (Trans World)

“I Was a Teenage Vampire”--Filmed entirely in Houston, this comedy is about a young bloodsucker who makes the best of his fate: Helped by an eccentric sage, he acquires knowledge, wisdom and even his dream girl. Jimmy Huston directs David Warner, Rene Auberjonois, Robert Sean Leonard, Cheryl Pollak, Fanny Flagg. (Kings Road)

“Lady Beware”--Psychological thriller about a young window designer stalked by a ruthless madman who is later stalked by her. Stars Diane Lane, Michael Woods, Viveca Lindors. Karen Arthur directs. (Scotti Bros.)

“Letters From Capri”--Italy’s Tinto Brass writes/directs a psychosexual drama about a married couple who return to Italy to rekindle old passions with their former lovers. Stars Nicola Warren, Andy J. Forest, Luigi Laezza , Francesca Cervellera. (DEG)

“Loose Connections”--A non-smoking vegetarian advertises for a like-minded traveling companion--whose off-the-wall antics make for adventures. Richard Eyre directs Stephen Rea and Lindsay Duncan. (Orion Classics)

“Lunar Madness”--Albert Pyun writes-directs this fantasy about an all-girl rock band pursued by “a troop of bizarre and shocking characters.” With Gina Calabrande, Linda Kerridge, Shayne Farris. (Empire)

“Made in the USA”--Ken Friedman writes/directs the California beach-bound odyssey of two high-spirited young men who’ve tired of their dying hometown of Centralia, Pa. Stars Christopher Penn, Lori Singer, Adrian Pasdar. (DEG)

“Making Mr. Right”--Susan Seidelman directs Ann Magnuson as a modern woman in search of the perfect man. He turns out to be John Malkovich--who happens to be an android! With Polly Bergen. (Orion)

“Man on Fire”--Scott Glenn is a burned-out former CIA operative who has withdrawn from life. When he takes a civilian job guarding the young daughter (Jade Malle) of a wealthy businessman, he’s softened by her innocence and charm. He’s also determined to get her back--after she’s been kidnaped. Elie Chouraqui writes/directs. With Brooke Adams, Danny Aiello, Joe Pesci, Jonathan Pryce. (Tri-Star)

“Monster in the Closet”--An homage to the horror film . . . all of the murders in this picture (and there’s probably a bunch of ‘em) take place in the victim’s closet. Bob Dahlin directs Claude Akins, Howard Duff, Henry Gibson, John Carradine, Paul Dooley, Stella Stevens, Jesse (the lonesome Maytag repairman) White. (Troma)

“Moon Goddess”--Linnea Quigley is a singer sent to a Third World country to do some recording when, faster than you can say “Romancing the Stone,” she’s caught up in adventure and intrigue. With Asher Brauner as a dashing entrepeneur and Don Calfa as his sidekick. Joseph Agraz directs. (Ascot Entertainment)

“Munchies”--Mean and lecherous little junk food junkies--who also happen to be critters--create havoc in a small town. Tina Hirsch directs Harvey Korman, Alix Elias, Charles Stratton. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“My African Adventure”--A young boy (David Mendenhall) on safari in Africa has a real adventure when he’s “adopted” by a mischievous monkey. Written by Menahem Golan. Directed by Boaz Davidson. With Dom DeLuise and Jimmy Walker. (Cannon)

“My Demon Lover”--Comedic romance about a man with a problem: Everytime he gets, well, in the mood for love, he is transformed into all kinds of bizarre creatures. A real problem on dates. Charlie Levanthal directs. Stars Scott Valentine, Michelle Little, Robert Trebor. (New Line)

“My Life as a Dog”--All about a 12-year-old Swedish boy named Ingemar living in a small village, circa 1959, where he has typical childhood problems (dealing with girls and bullies) as well as haunting memories of his dead mother and a dog left behind. Written/directed by Lasse Hallstrom. (Skouras)

“Necropolis”--Bruce Hickey writes/directs a thriller about a beautiful--and deadly--witch who menaces the trendy glitterati as she cruises the New York nightclub scene. With Leanne Baker, Michael Conte, Jacquie Fitz. (Empire)

“Nice Girls Don’t Explode”--Barbara Harris is a desperate mom who’ll do almost anything to keep her teen-age daughter away from boys. So the daughter (Michelle Meyrink) retaliates. Chuck Martinez directs. With Wallace Shawn, William O’Leary. (New World)

“Nightflyers”--Based on a novella by Hugo and Nebula awards-winner George R.R. Martin (this is the first screen adaptation of his work). A group of scientists take a historic space journey in search of the legendary Volcryn, which has witnessed all history since the Big Bang. The flight is imperiled by a clash between two consummate forces. Robert Collector directs Catherine Mary Stewart, Michael Praed, John Standing, Michael Des Barres, James Avery. (New Century/Vista)

“No End”--Krzysztof Kieslowski of Poland directs/co-writes this story of a young lawyer’s death--and its effect on those who knew him. With Grazyna Szapolowska, Maria Pakulnis, Aleksander Bardini. (New Yorker Films)

“One Way Out”--When his wife is murdered by unknown assailants, an undercover narcotics detective (Ivan Rogers) with a history of emotional problems (and the habit of playing Russian Roulette) tracks them down. Paul Kyriazi directs. With Sandy Brooke . (Reel Movies International)

“Orion’s Belt”--The most ambitious, costly film ever produced in Norway. Three adventurers stumble upon a Soviet military surveillance station off the coast of Norway. Ola Solum directs. With Helge Jordal, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Hans Ola Sorile, Kiersti Holman. (New World)

“Oviri”--A portrait of the artist Gaugin (Donald Sutherland), in turn-of-the-century Paris following his return from Tahiti. Henning Carlsen directs. With Max Von Sydow. (IFM)

“The Penitent”--Raul Julia and Armand Assante in a story based on ceremonies practiced during Lent by groups of Spanish-American Catholics living in isolated villages of northern New Mexico. The rituals include self-flagellation and culminate in an actual reenactment of the Crucifixion. Cliff Osmond writes/directs. With Rona Freed. (New Century/Vista)

“Penitentiary III”--Jamaa Fanaka directs. Leon Isaac Kennedy (of “I” and “II”) returns to battle the odds--this time from behind bars. With Jim Bailey in drag as Cleo and Tony Geary as a ruthless Mafia associate. (Cannon)

“Personal Services”--Monty Python’s Terry Jones directs a comedy inspired by the life of Cynthia Payne (Julie Walters), the notorious Madame of London. Expect Jones (“Life of Brian” and “The Meaning of Life”) to give this bittersweet tale a dose of his quirky style. (Vestron)

“P.K. & the Kid”--In her very first film (made four years ago, when she was 14), Molly Ringwald is a runaway teen who teams with arm-wrestling champ Paul LeMat. Lew Lombardo directs. (Castle Hill)

“Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol”--Omigosh! It’s the reteaming of the world’s most unlikely crime busters, with the inauguration of an Academy neighborhood-watch training program involving just your ordinary citizens--old folks, young folks, borderline criminals . . . in short, the usual “Police Academy” crowd. Jim Drake directs. Sharon Stone and Bob Goldthwait join “regulars” Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, David Graf, Marion Ramsey and (as Commandant Lassard) George Gaynes. (Warners)

“Pretty Smart”--Reading, writing and hijinks at an exclusive girls finishing school in Greece. Dimitri Logothetis directs Patricia Arquette, Tricia Leigh Fisher, Joely Fisher, Dennis Cole, Paris Vaughan. (New World)

“Prick Up Your Ears”--Chronicle of the real-life relationship and 16-year love affair that developed between British working-class youth Ken Halliwell (Alfred Molina) and playwright Joe Orton (Gary Oldman). Orton’s fame hastened the deterioration of that love, which ended in 1967, when Halliwell hammered Orton to death--and then killed himself. Stephen Frears directs. With Vanessa Redgrave, Julie Walters, Wallace Shawn. (Goldwyn)

“Princess Academy”--Comedy about eccentric teen girls who disrupt the socially proper curriculum at an exclusive European prep school. Bruce Block directs Eva Gabor, Lu Leonard, Richard Paul, Carole Davis, Lar Park Lincoln. (Empire)

“Project X”--Matthew Broderick stars as a young airman assigned to a top-secret military training program who befriends a special “recruit”--a highly intelligent chimpanzee named Virgil. It’s Virgil, who can communicate in sign language, who tells Broderick the frightening truth about “Project X.” Jonathan Kaplan directs. With Helen Hunt. (Fox)

“Pulling it Off”--See, there’s this black manager (P.K. Carter) of a talented young white rock singer (David Hallyday) who’s just aching to get his client to Hollywood to see if he can make it in the big time. If only the duo could win that all-expense paid trip for two to L.A. offered by Video La La (that’s an MTV-like network). But, the contest is for male-female couples only . . . Hmmmm. Who’s that pushy black woman who’s suddenly shown up? Gabriel Beaumont directs this comedy about mistaken identity. With Warwick Sims. Oh yes, Hallyday is the 20-year-old son of French singers Sylvie Vartan and Johnny Hallyday. (Scotti Bros.)

“Raising Arizona”--Producer/directors Ethan and Joel Coen’s action-comedy about an unconventional couple--she’s a cop, he’s a convenience-store bandit--whose obsessive desire for a child (who turns out to be the Arizona of the title) leads them to redefine the rules of parenthood. Joel Coen directs Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, William Forsythe, Randall (Tex) Cobb, Trey Wilson. (Fox)

“Rawhead Rex”--Yikes! A legendary monster reawakens from the dead to wreak havoc on the small Irish town responsible for its demise. Horror novelist Clive Barker scripted; George Pavlou directs. Stars David Dukes, Kelly Piper, Niall Tobin, Ronan Wilmot and Niall O’Brian . (Empire)

“Rendezvous”--Drama about an aspiring actress whose odyssey in Paris (where she’s hoping to be discovered) includes an unearthly encounter that is as eerie as it is erotic. Andre Techine co-writes-directs. With Lambert Wilson, Juliette Binoche, Jean-Louis Trintignant. (Spectrafilm)

“The Right Hand Man”--Friendship and love in the rugged Australian outback of the 1860s between a young man dying of diabetes, his childless wife and a young coachman who helps them to carry on the family name. Di Drew directs Rupert Everett, Hugo Weaving and Catherine McCrements. (New World)

“Rumpelstiltskin”--Musical fairy tale with Amy Irving as the miller’s daughter who, with the help of the dwarf Rumpelstiltskin (Billy Barty), is able to spin straw into gold. David Irving (brother of Amy) directs. With Clive Revill, Priscilla Pointer (mother of Amy), John Moulder Brown. (Cannon)

“Season of Dreams”--A young girl (Megan Follows) attempts to keep her family together during a time of crisis. Meanwhile, her mother (Christine Lahti) is torn between her daughter’s desires and her own dreams--of leaving her family to start life anew. Martin Rosen produces-directs. With Frederic Forrest, Peter Coyote. (Spectra-film)

“The Secret of My Success”--Michael J. Fox is a brash young college graduate who maneuvers his way up from the mailroom to the executive suite. Script by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. Direction by Herb Ross. With Helen Slater, Richard Jordan, Margaret Whitton. (Universal)

“Slam Dance”--Contemporary thriller about a cartoonist (Tom Hulce) who progresses from inaction to interaction with the world around him--after he’s caught up in a “web of corruption.” Wayne Wang directs. With Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Virginia Madsen, Millie Perkins, Harry Dean Stanton, John Doe (of the band X) and Adam Ant. (Island Pictures)

“Sleeping Beauty”--Tahnee Welch is Rosebud, the princess who has a spell cast upon her by the evil Fairy of Red (Sylvia Miles) that sends her into a deep, deep sleep on her 16th birthday. Only the kiss of a handsome prince (Nicholas Clay)--the princess’ True Love --will awaken her. David Irving directs. With Morgan Fairchild, Jane Wiedlin, Kenny Baker, David Holliday and musical numbers. (Cannon)

“Steele Justice”--Martin Kove is a war veteran battling his way through the underworld of the Vietnamese Mafia in Los Angeles. Robert Borris writes-directs. With Sela Ward, Robert Kim, Bernie Casey, Joe Campanella. (Atlantic)

“The Stranger”--U.S. directorial debut of Argentina’s Adolfo Aristarain finds Bonnie Bedelia cast as an amnesia victim who’s witnessed a murder but can’t recall what all she’s seen. Peter Riegert is the psychiatrist who helps her rediscover those lost (and dangerous) moments. (Columbia)

“Street Smart”--Christopher Reeve is a journalist for a glitzy New York magazine who fabricates a story about a Times Square pimp. The story brings him lots of notoriety--and trouble, when the D.A. demands that he turn in his notes as evidence in a murder trial. Jerry Schatzberg directs. With Kathy Baker, Mimi Rogers, Andre Gregory, Morgan Freeman. (Cannon)

“Stripped to Kill”--Kay Lenz is an L.A. cop who goes undercover--and then some--when she poses as a stripper to investigate a string of brutal murders. With Norman Fell, Greg Evigan. Katt Shea Rubin directs. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Survival Game”--Herb Freed directs Mike Norris, Deborah Goodrich, Seymour Cassel. A former drug guru--known for his LSD experiments--hides $2 million before being jailed. But, he was so drugged at the time, he can’t remember where he put it. Former friends and newfound enemies are after him for the money. (Trans World)

“Sweet Revenge”--Set in the Far East, Nancy Allen is a reporter working a story about the abduction and white slavery of teen-age girls--until she becomes a victim of her investigation. Enter Ted Shackelford cast as a roguish American smuggler who also happens to be the rescuing type. With Martin Landau. Mark Sobel directs. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Swimming to Cambodia”--Jonathan Demme directs Spalding Grey in Grey’s script, based on his experiences as an actor in the film, “The Killing Fields.” Also “stars” a sound track by Laurie Anderson. (Cinecom)

“Terminal Exposure”--The credits for this one boast “more than 150 beautiful women”--including four Playboy Playmates. It’s about two Venice Beach amateur photographers who usually snap gorgeous female beachgoers--and accidentally photograph a Mafia murder. So the guys turn detective. Their only clue to the murderess’ identity: a photo of her shapely rear end. Co-writer Nico Mastorakis produces-directs. With Mark Hennessy, Scott King, Hope-Marie Carlton, John Vernon, Ted Lange. (Pegasus Films)

“Thunder Warrior II”--Modern-day story of an Indian (Mark Gregory) who returns to his native land and is angered by the abuse his people are receiving from Indian agents and townspeople. He’s later framed and sent to prison. Which means he’s got to break out, clear his name and do away with the baddies. Bo Svenson co-stars. Larry Ludman directs. (Trans World)

“Tin Men”--Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito are feuding aluminum-siding salesman. As DeVito’s wife, Barbara Hershey becomes a pawn in their feud. Barry Levinson writes/directs. (Buena Vista)

“Transmutations”--Futuristic thriller based on a story by horror meister Clive Barker (who also co-scripted) about a group of human mutants--victims of a physically disfiguring medical experiment--who seek the antidote that can save their lives. George Pavlou directs Denholm Elliott, Stephen Berkoff, Larry Lamb, Miranda Richardson, Art Malik, Nicola Cowper. (Empire)

“Valet Girls”--Comedy about beautiful employees of an all-female valet parking service who use their charms (uh-huh) and cunning to run their all-male competitors out of business. Rafal Zielinski directs. With Meri D. Marshall, April Stewart, Mary Kohnert, Christopher Weeks, Patricia Scott Mitchell. (Empire)

“Wild Thing”--His parents murdered, a young boy is left in the city streets where he thrives, grows and becomes an urban hero. Written by John Sayles; directed by Max Reid. With Rob Knepper, Kathleen Quinlan. (Atlantic)

“Wildfire”--It’s a bittersweet reunion for former childhood sweethearts Linda Fiorentino and Steven Bauer. She’s got a husband (Will Patton) and kids--he’s got a prison record. Still, The Fates throw them together. Zalman King directs and co-writes. (Distributor pending)

“Withnail & I”--Story of two struggling actors in 1969 stars Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant. Bruce Robinson directs. (Cineplex Odeon)

“Working Girls”--The world’s oldest profession, as depicted (with some humor) in an upscale Manhattan brothel. Lizzie Borden directs Louise Smith, Ellen McElduff, Amanda Goodwin, Marusia Zach. (Miramax Films)

“A Zed and Two Noughts”--Exploration of man’s place in the animal kingdom begins when two women are killed in a freak accident outside a zoo. In their grief, their husbands--twins--become obsessed with death and begin a series of experiments that lead them into awfully strange territory (perversion, amputation, decay and more). Stars Andrea Ferreol, Brian Deacon, Eric Deacon, Geoffrey Palmer. Written/directed by Peter Greenaway so, as the press notes read, “there’s really nobody else to blame if you don’t understand it.” (Skouras)

SUMMER

“Adventures in Babysitting”--Screenwriter Chris Columbus (“Gremlins,” “Goonies”) first-time directs. A 17-year-old babysitter is stranded in downtown Chicago with three young terrors. Elisabeth Shue and Keith Coogan star. (Buena Vista)

“Amazons”--Strapping Amazon women in itsy-bitsy costumes must retrieve a powerful sword (a centuries-old talisman of the Amazon kingdom) in order to withstand an evil sorcerer’s cruel magic. Alex Sessa directs Windsor Taylor Randolph, Penelope Reed, Danitza Kingsley. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Backlash”--Australian road odyssey about a pair of cops--one a hard-bitten bigoted veteran, the other an eager rookie studying to be lawyer--who transport an aboriginal woman to a small Outback town to face a murder charge. Bill Bennett directs. David Argue, Gia Carides, Lydia Miller star. (Goldwyn)

“Batteries Not Included”--Steven Spielberg exec-produces a tale of an inner-city tenement about to be demolished, until unexpected visitors beat the wrecking ball to the punch and help the tenants in Spielbergian fashion. Matthew Robbins directs Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Frank McRae. (Universal)

“Beauty and the Beast”--Rebecca DeMornay is the beauty, John Savage is the beast in Charles Perault’s classic love story of unlikely love. Another in the Cannon fairy-tale series. Eugene Marner directs. (Cannon)

“Beethoven’s Nephew”--The story of an extraordinarily gifted family and one man’s obsession with perfection. The famed composer tries to mold the youngster to his own self-image, but the tyke is far too independent to follow in anyone’s footsteps. With Wolfgang Reichman, Dietmar Prinz and Jane Birkin. Paul Morrissey directs. (New World)

“The Believers”--John Schlesinger directs this occult thriller dealing with rituals, powers and deities rooted in the mystic past which have entered the mainstream of modern America. Martin Sheen stars as a psychologist who moves to New York with his young son (Harley Cross) following his wife’s death. It’s during his treatment of patients that he uncovers a mystery that leads him to the tenements and side streets of East Harlem . . . and beyond. With Robert Loggia, Helen Shaver. (Orion)

“Benji the Hunted”--The lovable mop-like mutt returns in a G-rated adventure that’s being kept top secret. We can tell you that after the first 20 minutes or so, there’s no contact with humans (or human dialogue) and that publicity shots for the film show Benji cuddling with an adorable cougar cub. Joe Camp, creator of the Benji character, directs. (Mulberry Square Productions)

“Beverly Hills Cop II”--Eddie Murphy returns as raucous, rebellious copper Axel Foley. This time out, it’s his old Beverly Hills PD cronies who need his help. The reason has a lot to do with bad-girl Brigitte Nielsen and the equally nasty company she keeps. Tony Scott directs a familiar cast. Returning from the original: Judge Reinhold, John Ashton and Ronny Cox. (Paramount)

“Big Shots”--A middle-class white boy and a streetwise black kid team up to help each other. Robert Mandel directs. Ivan Reitman co-produces. With Ricky Busker, Darvis McCrary, Paul Winfield. (Fox)

“The Big Town”--A mid-’50s loss of innocence story, told through the eyes of a young man (Matt Dillon) who comes to the big town in hopes of winning fame and fortune in the backroom gambling arenas. Ben Bolt directs. With Diane Lane, Tommy Lee Jones, Lee Grant, Bruce Dern, Tom Skerritt. (Columbia)

“Blood Red”--Eric Roberts and Giancarlo Giannini head the cast in the story of Italian immigrant settlers in Northern California and a fight to keep their vineyards from being overrun by an elitist power group headed by a no-nonsense Dennis Hopper. Peter Masterson directs. With Burt Young. (Distribution pending)

“Calhoun”--Bruce Fairbairn stars as a tough, impulsive street cop who takes on a band of ruthless extortionists who are terrorizing a city. Scripted by James Docherty , 23-year veteran and commanding officer of Administrative Vice Division for the LAPD. With Isaac Hayes. Joseph L. Scanlan directs. Sandy Howard produces. (T.M.F. Release)

“The Caller”--Mystery thriller directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman about a beautiful young woman (Madolyn Smith) and the man (Malcolm McDowell) she believes intends to kill her. (Empire)

“The Chipmunk Adventure”--It’s the first big screen adventure for kid-vid stars Alvin, Simon and Theodore--a.k.a. the Chipmunks--who’re snared into a diamond smuggling scheme concocted by the villainous Klaus and Claudia Furstein. See the Chipmunks fly in a hot air balloon race! See them climb the Alps! See them rock ‘n’ roll! And, see their female chums, the Chipettes! Janice Karman directs. (Goldwyn)

“Creepshow II”--Two unpublished Stephen King stories, “Old Chief Wood’n Head” and “The Hitchhiker” are included in this horror anthology sequel. Michael Gornick directs. Stars Dorothy Lamour, George Kennedy, Page Hannah, Holt Wilson and David Holbrook. (New World)

“Dark Tower”--A horror tale about an architect who becomes the center of unexplained violent deaths and ghostly terror let loose in an office complex. Freddie Francis directs. With Kevin McCarthy, Theodore Bikel. (Spectrafilm)

“Deathstalker II”--Return of the “legendary” (at least for those who saw “I”) fantasy hero, Deathstalker (John Terlesky) in an action adventure filled with “barbaric passion and splendor.” With Monique “Penthouse Pet of the Year” Gabrielle and John La Zar . Jim Wynorski directs. (Concorde/New Horizon)

“Dirty Dancing”--Musical love story, set in the Catskills in 1963, deals with the beginnings of the sexual revolution--when the most visible sign of change occured in social dancing. Emile Ardolina directs. With Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes. (Vestron)

“Disorderlies”--The Fat Boys rap group are bungling orderlies in an action comedy about a shady compulsive gambler (Anthony Geary) who must snuff his millionaire uncle (Ralph Bellamy) to satisfy a gambling debt to a sinister mob man. Michael Schultz directs. With Tony Plana. (Warners)

“Doin’ Time on Planet Earth”--Charles Matthau (Walter’s boy) directs his first feature, about an extraterrestrial from the suburbs. Does he take the first spaceship out of town or try to make the best of it here on planet Earth? Stars Nicholas Strouse, Matt Adler and Adam (Batman) West. (Cannon)

“Dragnet 1987”--Based on the characters from the TV show, Dan Aykroyd is Joe Friday (a nephew of the better-known Joe Friday). Tom Hanks plays his hip but strait-laced partner. Dabney Coleman a