MOVIES - July 3, 1993

A Tale of Two Arnolds: A smiling, swinging Arnold Schwarzenegger carrying a boy, illustrated in comic-book-style, was seen in the first ads for “Last Action Hero,” above left. The movie was being sold for its fantasy and action. But after two weeks of disappointing box-office grosses, don’t be surprised by the new look now seen in the ads. This time the movie is being sold with a close-up of a tough, snarling Schwarzenegger holding a pistol, not the kid, with the word action given prominence, above right. It is not uncommon for studios to alter campaigns, although Columbia Pictures declined to comment about this decision. There is speculation that Columbia was acting to find an audience by going back to the Schwarzenegger image that has sold millions of tickets in the past. One source said that with “Sleepless in Seattle” and the Tom Cruise vehicle, “The Firm,” appealing heavily to women, Columbia might be aiming for the male audience. Whatever rationale, the decision was made only days ago--too late for most Sunday newspaper supplements.

*$200-Million Dinosaurs: The Steven Spielberg movie “Jurassic Park” is expected to pass $200 million in ticket sales at some point today--only its 23rd day of release. That will be the fastest a movie has ever achieved that dollar amount. The previous record holder was the 1989 “Batman,” which did it in 37 days.

TELEVISION

Ullman on HBO: Tracey Ullman will return to American TV with two hourlong comedy specials on HBO this fall. “Tracey Ullman: Takes on New York” is scheduled to premiere in October, and “Tracey Ullman: A Class Act” is scheduled for November. Both will feature the comic actress playing multiple roles in a series of vignettes, joined by guest stars including Dan Castellaneta, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Palin, Michael Tucker and Michael York.

*Their Final Days: The NBC soap “Days of Our Lives” will soon lose three of its key players. Crystal Chappell (Dr. Carly Manning) and Michael Sabatino (Lawrence Alamain), who play opposite each other and are romantically involved in real life, are departing after three years. Chappell said, “There was no more story line for us.” A changing story line also will bring an end to the character of Jack Devereau, played by Matthew Ashford who has been with the show for six years.

*Riordan’s Ratings: KCBS-TV Channel 2, long struggling in the ratings for its news programs, won the ratings race for the coverage of Richard Riordan’s mayoral inauguration Thursday. The station averaged a 4 rating between 11 a.m.-noon during the actual ceremony and inaugural address, according to figures released Friday by the A.C. Nielsen Co. Meanwhile, KABC-TV Channel 7, which did not begin its coverage until 11:20, was second with a 3.4 from 11:30-noon. KCAL-TV Channel 9 (2.1) was third, followed by KTLA TV-Channel 5 (1.6) and KNBC-TV Channel 4 (1.5).

STAGE

Cast Together: Original cast member Nathan Lane, recent Tony winner Andrea Martin, John Glover and Roxanne Hart will make up the cast for “Lips Together, Teeth Apart,” the Terrence McNally play, which begins previews at the Mark Taper Forum on July 24. Ethan Phillips will take Lane’s role from Aug. 31 until the play closes on Sept. 19; Lane will depart to begin rehearsals for the next Neil Simon play, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.”

*’Jake’s’ Take: Neil Simon’s “Jake’s Women,” which closed last weekend at the Doolittle Theatre, set Ahmanson-at-the-Doolittle series records for total gross ($3,063,182), weekly gross ($292,972 in the final week) and single ticket sales ($1,475,367). Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers” held the previous records for total gross and single ticket sales; “The Heidi Chronicles” for weekly gross.

POP/ROCK

Rap Tour Delayed: A hard-core rap tour headlined by Dr. Dre, originally set to start on Thursday, has been postponed for about a month, reportedly to allow security details to be worked out. Tour organizers were unavailable for comment but concert promoters have been scrutinizing details of security in light of violence that has plagued rap shows in the past. Officials at Anaheim Arena said they have not been informed yet if a proposed Aug. 20 date at the new facility will be changed. The tour--perhaps the highest-profile rap package in several years--was to kick off in Toledo. It also bills Run-DMC, the Geto Boys, Snoop Dog, Boss and Onyx. . . . In other concert news, Rod Stewart will perform a second show on Aug. 1, at the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion. Tickets are on sale.