WORDS AND IMAGES : Ojai Group to Screen ‘Inner Circle’ Film

Tragedy always seems to stalk the followers of charismatic, paranoid dictators. The 1991 film “The Inner Circle,” directed by Ivan Konchalovsky, takes us inside the former Soviet Union during the last years of Stalin. While millions are imprisoned or killed, Sanshin, played by Tom Hulce, becomes Stalin’s personal movie projectionist and is blindly devoted to the tyrant. Based on a true story, the movie was the first major Hollywood production filmed inside the Kremlin. The Ojai Film Society will screen “Inner Circle” at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ojai Playhouse, 145 E. Ojai Ave.

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The final performance of “Traditions,” the storytelling and music festival at the Ventura College theater, is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Diane Ferlatte closes the series with contemporary and traditional tales and songs based on her African-American heritage. Order $10 tickets in advance by calling 654-6459, or pay $12 at the door.

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Check out the bargains at Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library book sale, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the library, 1401 E. Janss Road. The cleanup sale begins at 2 p.m. when all books will be priced at 10 cents. Call 495-6595 for details.

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At what age do children become aware of baseball? Carl Chamberlain starts them off as early as age 3. Chamberlain, who has worked as a sportswriter and photographer, will tell his stories at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Prueter Library, 510 Park Ave., Port Hueneme.

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Once in a while, a self-help book comes along that can really help us cope with the things we encounter as we slog through life. “Write About It!” is one of those books. The authors, psychotherapist Jean Miller and film writer John Frederick, say the book advocates self-discovery through self-writing. A wise, witty and pragmatic tool for those with emotional or substance-abuse problems, the book is available from FMS Productions, P. O. Box 5016, Carpinteria, Ca 93014. Or call 684-0889.