American Notes TRIALS

Prosecutors have taken six months to present their case against Director John Landis (Animal House) and others in the trial on involuntary manslaughter and negligence charges stemming from the deaths under a crashing helicopter of Actor Vic Morrow and two children during filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie in July 1982. Last week it was the defense's turn. Led by former Watergate Prosecutor James Neal, Landis took the stand. While admitting illegally hiring the child actors, he said no one had told him, nor did he realize, that the fiery scene was dangerous. Asked Neal: "Did you say to the helicopter, 'Lower, lower'?" Replied Landis: "I don't recall saying it. I don't know if I said it or not, but I have no recollection of saying it."

Cracked Deputy District Attorney Lea Purwin D'Agostino: "I think we showed if ((Landis)) is telling the truth, then the rest of the world is lying." Neal expects to take until April to present his defense, after which the case will go to the jury.