MOVIES - July 8, 1987

“Buried Alive,” a Janis Joplin biopic based on Myra Friedman’s 1973 biography, will finally make it to the screen, says “Dragnet” producer David Permut, who bought the rights to Joplin’s life story in 1976--six years after the singer died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27. “It’s a real heart-wrenching story, and it plays on many different levels,” Permut said Tuesday. The movie is being produced in conjunction with Dick Clark Productions and Tomorrow Entertainment, and Permut hopes to begin filming by the end of the year. As opposed to the 1975 Joplin documentary “Janis,” the singer’s voice itself will not be used, although Permut and co-producer Mark Travis plan to use Joplin’s music in the film. No cast has been announced.