TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Schindler's List opens today at the Town Plaza Cinema, and I would like to make a deal with you. If you would not otherwise go to this film, let me pay your way.

My only condition is that if after seeing the film you believe it was worth the price of admission, you let me off the hook.

Why would I do this?

Maybe I'm dumb, maybe I'm idealistic. But I had the opportunity to see the film three weeks ago, and I don't think I'll be risking much.

Schindler's List is a powerful film: beautifully made and masterfully performed. But more than that, it is a story of profound importance -- about real men and real women, terrifying evil and unexpected good. It is about people facing the starkest and most brutal questions life asks. It is about corruption, horror, faith, family, courage and victory.

It is a story about the Holocaust that is unfathomable -- except that it happened.

At four minutes over three hours, Schindler's List is not a short film. Nor is it too long. Seamless, it works together as great films do. This film is among The Great.

I do not want to tell you too much, I would prefer you see the movie. But I believe some warning is necessary:

You will not leave this film the same as when you entered. You will not be unmoved. You will have hope, but you will be troubled nonetheless.

While watching the film, you will at times cringe, clench your fist, and want to turn your head away.

There is violence in this movie -- truthful violence. This is not a film for young children.

You will be horrified. You will probably cry -- for joy.

You will not hurry to see the movie again. But you will remember it: the complexities of the human spirit -- the potential for dark, and the potential for good when all seems dark.

"He who saves a single life saves the entire world."

You will be thankful you saw it. And, if you are not ... if, after watching the whole film you are sorry you spent your money on Schindler's List, come to my office at 301 Broadway with your ticket stub and this column. Tell me why it did not move you, and I will give you your money back.

This movie is too brilliant -- too triumphant -- to miss.

* * *

It is unusual for me to recommend anything so strongly as I have Schindler's List. And to promise to pay for your ticket if you aren't moved by it is doubly unusual.

Now, for me to make a second recommendation in the same column is even more unusual. But that is what I'm going to do.

On the campus of Southeast Missouri State University Monday night will take place a performance entitled "A Woman Called Truth." It begins at 8 p.m. at Academic Hall and ticket prices are $4 general admission; $2 for senior citizens and non-university students; and free admission for university faculty, staff and students.

I had the opportunity to see this powerful mix of music and monologue in Boston several years ago, and would not miss it for the world here. The 50-minute play celebrates the life of a woman named Sojourner Truth. Actually, if memory serves me correctly, Truth's real name was Isabella Baumfree. And she was the first black woman in her day to speak out against slavery.

Born a slave, Sojourner Truth was freed when her native state, New York, banned slavery in 1828. As a free woman, she had a religious experience that led her to travel and give speeches based on the belief that people best show love for God by love and concern for others. In 1864, she met and worked with Abraham Lincoln.

If you have don't have anything already scheduled for Monday night, you might want to put this on your calendar. This, too, like Schindler's List, is a challenging work worth seeing. It will provoke thought, and it's entertaining. In fact, if you have something else already scheduled for Monday night, you might think about changing it.