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Sage Stallone: Partner Was “Hurt Locker” Editor, Spokesman in Golden Globe Lawsuit

Roger Friedman
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Sage Stallone: Partner Was “Hurt Locker” Editor, Spokesman in Golden Globe Lawsuit

Sage Stallone’s partner in his Grindhouse Releasing company, Bob Murawski, says of his late friend: “Sage was one of the smartest, warmest, most creative people I’ve ever known. It’s an incredible tragedy to lose someone with so much potential. Murawski is the Oscar winning editor of “The Hurt Locker.” He edited the three Sam Raimi “Spider Man” films and is currently working on “Oz the Great and Powerful.”

Meanwhile:

That guy speaking for Sage Stallone–his lawyer and best friend, George Braunstein? Name sound familiar? I wrote about him on February 1st of this year. Here’s the story again. Only in Hollywood, kids.

Braunstein is involved in that long running battle between the Hollywood Foreign and their former publicist, Michael Russell. Braunstein runs a charitable foundation called Stars for a Cause.

But here’s a twist: one of the main beneficiaries of this Stars for a Cause, according to their Federal tax filings, has been…ta da..Michael Russell! Stars for a Cause has three Form 990s on file with guidestar.org, which records the finances of US charities.

In 2006, all the money donated to Stars for a Cause–$20,000–went to Michael Russell. In both 2007 and 2008, Stars for a Cause paid Russell $39,500. It does seem like, on paper, the cause involved in this charity was…Michael Russell.

Stars for a Cause is run by the Braunstein family–Beverly Hills attorney George Braunstein is their leader, and his wife and daughter are the officers. George Braunstein told me: “We pay Michael Russell for access to the stars. We wouldn’t have it other wise.”

In 2007, the Braunsteins had a celebrity auction (celebs autograph things) and raised $225,000. Of that, they gave $30,000 to the Hollywood Museum. Another $51,000 went to office expenses including a whopping $26,000 for postage. Braunstein was paid $4,050 for renting Stars for a Cause space in his law offices.

Braustein says the postage was for shipping rare prints to an art exhibit they sponsored.

In 2008, same deal, with a twist: the Braunsteins donated $60,000 to Friends of the Prince’s Trust. Their two other donations: $250 each to AIDS Project Los Angeles, and to Loyola High School.

Russell got his usual $39,500. George Braunstein paid himself $13,000 in legal fees, and $5,500 in rent. The charity listed a $75,000 deficit for the year.

Another line of expenses. coming to almost $9,000, was for travel and entertainment.

But what about Russell? It does seem from the Stars for a Cause Form 990 and the HFPA’s own filing that he was making substantially more in fees from Stars for a Cause than from the HFPA. Was Stars for a Cause paying him for his access to the Golden Globes, meaning movie stars who would promote their causes? Yes, Braunstein told me: “Michael Russell had been in the business a long time and knew everyone.”

Braunstein told me in Janaury that when Stars for a Cause filed its Form 990 for 2010, donations to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief, UN World Program, Greenpeace and Oxfam will be recorded. Each was tied specifically to a celebrity.

So the Form 990 has been filed for 2010. It is as devoid of specific information as it could be. They say they took in $225,525. They finished the year with around $3,000. And where did all that money go? Not one specific organization or individual is mentioned or described. There’s no mention of American Red Cross Haiti Relief, UN World Program, Greenpeace or Oxfam. We just have to take Braunstein’s word for it. The last line of the Form 990 that he and his wife Laura filed says: “No documents will be made available to the public.”

“Spider Man” Knocked to 2nd Place, “Batman” On His Way

Roger Friedman
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“Spider Man” Knocked to 2nd Place, “Batman” On His Way

The relaunch of “Spider Man” — you can’t say it’s a flop. “The Amazing Spider Man” has put $200 million into the bank domestically in 13 days. That’s not chopped liver. But it’s $40 million off the pace of “Spider Man 3” from 2007, directed by Sam Raimi. So you decide, dear reader. “Amazing” also has had much higher ticket prices thanks to IMAX and 3D pricing. Fewer people have seen it. Number 1 this week was “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” But that will be a short lived run at number 1. Come Friday, “The Dark Knight Rises” will break records, swamp the box office, and turn over everything–especially since David Letterman let the ending slip out. Was that really an error? Or was it planned? Letterman isn’t stupid or senile. I wonder if the plan was to leak it that Batman takes a powder. Knowing that will make people want to see the movie even more. Expect a blockbuster here.

Meanwhile, three indie films doing great– Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love,” Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” and John Madden’s “Exotic Marigold Hotel.” There’s still a counter programming audience who want to see intelligent films without comic book characters. “The Intouchables” is doing very well, too. See, there are reasons to go on after all…

Celeste Holm, Star of “All About Eve,” Oscar Winner, 95, Passes Away

Roger Friedman
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Celeste Holm, Star of “All About Eve,” Oscar Winner, 95, Passes Away

Celeste Holm was still attending events a month ago–at 95 she and husband Frank Basile came to the Tony Awards. Celeste was in a wheelchair, but she was happy to get out of the house be with her Broadway people. A theater star for her whole career, Celeste also had a big film resume–she won an Oscar for “Gentleman’s Agreement” with Gregory Peck. She was also very well known and popular as the elegant, beautiful, wisecracking Karen Richards, wife of producer Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe) in “All About Eve.”

For years she was married to another popular theater, Wesley Addy, who was also a star of the New York soap operas. They were married from 1961 to 1996, when Addy died. He was her fourth husband. In 1994, Holm married opera singer Frank Basile, 45 years her junior. Their marriage caused a permanent rift with her family.

There were a lot of questions about Basile’s motivations. The family sued him, and cut Holm off from her own financial resources. Most people thought Basile must be a golddigger. But an article in the New York Times last year really exonerated him from all wild speculation, and sort painted a picture of a family that wasn’t so interested in taking care of an elderly person.

At least in person, Basile always seemed to be taking excellent care of Holm. She loved being out and about, and not forgotten. I ran into them in the Palm Court of the Plaza Hotel having afternoon tea a few months ago, and Celeste was cogent, alert, and thrilled to meet Aretha Franklin, who was at the next table.

Ninety five–it’s a good life. And she had a great life, that’s for sure, right up to the end. But for her family and for Frank Basile, the end is still  very sad. RIP, Celeste. It was lovely having you in our midst all these years.

Read more about her at www.celesteholm.com You can ever hear her sing!

 

Steve van Zandt on London Curfew: “When I’m jamming with McCartney don’t bug me!”

Roger Friedman
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Steve van Zandt on London Curfew: “When I’m jamming with McCartney don’t bug me!”

Steve van Zandt, lead guitarist and musical director for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has taken to Twitter. He has several complaints and observations about London’s curfew–the police cut Springsteen off while he was jamming last night in Hyde Park with Paul McCartney. The city shut off the electricity after Bruce, the band, and McCartney had performed three songs and were headed into a fourth. This was about 10:15pm, and Springsteen, known for his long sets, had been on since 7:30pm. (See video in our player at the bottom of the home page.)

Van Zandt Tweeted: “I’m sorry but I have to be honest I’m pissed. Like I said, it didn’t ruin the great night. But when I’m jamming with McCartney don’t bug me!” He added: “Ha! @raindogs70 just reminded me how the Beatles’ rooftop concert ended. Not much has changed in 43 years!” That famous concert was the centerpiece of the Beatles movie “Let it Be,” which is still not available on DVD after all these years– another mystery.

Van Zandt also wrote in a series of Tweets: “There’s no grudges to be held. Just feel bad for our great fans. Hard Rock is cool. Live Nation is cool. It’s some City Council stupid rule. English cops may be the only individuals left on earth that wouldn’t want to hear one more from Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney! We break curfews in every country but only English cops needs to “punish us” by not letting us leave until the entire crowd goes. One of the great gigs ever in my opinion. But seriously, when did England become a police state?  The cops got nothing more important to do? How about they go catch some criminals instead of fucking with 80,000 people having a good time?”

The British cops should feel lucky Van Zandt is just Little Steven these days and not Silvio from “The Sopranos”!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9VwAPFO0N4&feature=related

 

 

 

Don Brinkley, Famed TV Producer and Christie’s Dad, Dies

Roger Friedman
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Don Brinkley, Famed TV Producer and Christie’s Dad, Dies

Christie Brinkley’s father, Don Brinkley, the famous and legendary television producer and writer, died yesterday. He was 91 years old. Don Brinkley co created and produced “Medical Center” with Chad Everett in the 60s and 70s, and “Trapper John MD” in the 80s. He wrote over 400 teleplays for such classic and long running shows as “The Untouchables,” “The Fugitive,” “Have Gun, Will Travel,” “Kraft Suspense Theatre,” “The FBI,” “The Virginian,” “Ben Casey,” “Bat Masterson,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Rawhide,” “Ironside,” “The Name of the Game,” and others. You can look at his credits in awe: there was almost no TV in the 1960s that didn’t have Don Brinkley’s name on it.

Don Brinkley was married to Christie’s mom, Marge,  for 55 years. He adopted Christie when they married, and she considered him her father. For most of their marriage, the Brinkleys

divided their time between Hawaii and Beverly Hills. But in the last few years, Christie moved them out to Sag Harbor, Long Island, so she could take care of them. Don Brinkley is also survived by Christie’s brother, Gregory, an innovative nutritionist, and several grandchildren including Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of Christie and Billy Joel. Condolences to Christie and her family. Her parents’ story is one of the rare ones in Hollywood–a great marriage, family, and lots of good work of which to be proud. It’s a grand legacy.

 

 

Only One (Maybe) Oscar Nominee Halfway Through 2012

Roger Friedman
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Only One (Maybe) Oscar Nominee Halfway Through 2012

We’re at the mid point of the and the mid point of the summer. And we have no Oscar nominees. Well, maybe one. I would say that Omar Sy, from “The Intouchables,” has an outside shot. And “The Intouchables,” a French film, could be a Best Foreign Film nominee if France chooses to submit it. Otherwise, the pickings aren’t slim, they are non existent so far for 2012. Almost all the movies released since January 1st were either cartoon-comic book films or so dreadful that they’re embarrassing to look at.

What about Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love,” you ask? Maybe Roberto Benigni, who I think had the best storyline and really was wonderful. Penelope Cruz is a very outside possibility. How about “The Exotic Marigold Hotel”? Well, Judi Dench is great in everything she does, and she has high Oscar recognition. But that’s it. No one from “The Avengers,” “Spider Man,” “Dark Knight Rises,” etc will qualify. That’s just not Oscar. Heath Ledger was the exception.

So we wait. Patiently. For the Oscar rush to begin. And then it’s going to be a flood. From Spielberg’s “Lincoln” to Baz Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby,” Tom Hooper’s “Les Miserables,” to Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” “David O. Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” the musical “The Sapphires” (a Golden Globe cinch), and many that we don’t know about yet.

We can pretty much relax until September 7th, when “Gangster Squad” with Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling kicks off the fall season. Two comedies to look forward to, awards or not: “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” which is just terrific, and “Hope Springs.” They, plus “The Bourne Legacy,” will make August at least tolerable.

Sage Stallone’s Tough Life in Hollywood

Roger Friedman
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Sage Stallone’s Tough Life in Hollywood

All things considered, Sage Stallone’s life in Hollywood wasn’t so bad. He owned a film releasing company called Grindhouse. Ironically, one of their films–they restore and release classic B movies–played at Lincoln Center on the night of the day Stallone died. “Evil Dead,” Sam Raimi’s 1981 classic, is currently making the rounds. It’s unclear how much business Grindhouse was really doing, but at least was a business. In Hollywood, most kids of stars don’t do much. Sage Stallone had tried a little acting, in his father’s films. For the son of a mega star, though, Sage seems to have been pretty low key. There are almost no pictures of him available from the photo services since 2006. That’s a little odd.

Sage Stallone, who died on Friday, was Sylvester Stallone’s eldest child. He had one full sibling, a brother named Seargeoh, who is autistic. Sage was 36, his brother 31. Stallone and his ex wife Sasha have managed to keep Seargeeoh, out of the public eye completely. In 1985 Stallone told People magazine:

“Sage needs to learn that he can be bigger and better than I am. I really want to develop single-minded-ness in him. He should never introduce himself saying, ‘My father is…’ I am also trying to help him develop physically with weights and exercise. I want him to be able to handle himself. He will have encounters just because he is Rocky’s kid.” Stallone said he told Sage to think of his brother this way: “Listen, God and nature made him different. We have to accept Seargeoh the way he is and understand that his way is just more quiet and reserved.”

Sasha Stallone told People that for Sage, living with an austistic brother was like being an only child.

“Jaws” Producer Richard Zanuck, Part of Hollywood’s Dynasty, Dies at 77

Roger Friedman
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“Jaws” Producer Richard Zanuck, Part of Hollywood’s Dynasty, Dies at 77

Beloved Hollywood big studio producer Richard Zanuck has died at age 77 in Hollywood. Zanuck’s long list of hits includes “Jaws,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Cocoon,” “Big Fish,” and most recently, “Dark Shadows.” In recent years he co-produced movies with his third wife, Lili Fini Zanuck. For most of his career, Dick Zanuck partnered with the late great David Brown, and they were a popular and successful team in Hollywood. Zanuck was part of Hollywood’s real dynasty. His famous father, Darryl F. Zanuck, helped start Hollywood. He began producing movies in 1925. The Zanucks leave a long and proud legacy in the film business. Here’s a link to a great piece from two years ago in the L.A. Times. RIP. http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/04/13/richard-d-zanuck-a-hollywood-legend-too-busy-to-look-back/

Billy Joel Will Lend Motorcyles, Work on Soundtrack for Indie Biker Movie

Roger Friedman
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Billy Joel Will Lend Motorcyles, Work on Soundtrack for Indie Biker Movie

Billy Joel is getting into the movie business, sort of. He’s organizing the soundtrack and lending his motorcycles for an indie biker movie called “American Dresser.” Billy is listed as Consulting Producer. The film stars Stephen Lang, veteran Wes Studi and a New York actor named Carmine Cangialosi. The movie shoots in Long Island Mexico beginning this September. I guess the soundrack will be songs from Billy’s massive catalog. A casting call has gone out, it’s all on the up and up, but no one’s registered the film yet on the imdb.com. Updates to come…

Here’s the synopsis:

In this modern day western, old friends John Moore and Charlie Wildhorse are
brought together by unfortunate circumstances that turn into an opportunity for both to fulfill a life
long dream of riding their motorcycles West from Long Island, New York. Once on the open road
the ride takes an unexpected turn, in the form of a young loner named Willie. After some
problems and a few states, the three men from two very different generations slowly begin to
understand one another, while learning a little something about themselves as they cross our
breathtaking and diverse country. The adventures they encounter along the way will last a
lifetime, while making the heart pump and the imagination run wild.
“People get older but dreams are ageless.”

Kelsey Grammer Welcomes Fourth Child, A Girl

Roger Friedman
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Kelsey Grammer, star of “Boss,” but always Frasier Crane in our hearts, has welcomed his fourth child into the world. Faith Evangeline Elisa Grammer was born at 1 am this morning. She weighs 6lb, 2oz, but she won’t weight that forever. Tomorrow, she’ll be heavier, and so on.  Kelsey has a 28 year old actress daughter, Spencer Grammer, and two younger kids with Camille, who’s now a “Beverly Hills Housewife.”

Here’s a personal note from Kayte and Kelsey:

“Early this morning Kayte gave birth to Faith Evangeline Elisa Grammer.  We are thrilled.  She was 6 lbs. 2oz. when she entered the world at 1am on the 13th of July in the year 2012.  Mother and child are in excellent health.

We were ecstatic earlier this year, when we announced that Kayte was carrying twins.  Tragically we lost the little boy shortly thereafter.  This was not something we cared to make known publicly at the time.  It was unspeakably painful and we know that people will understand our desire to keep the news private then, as we know they will respect our privacy in this matter now.  A glorious birth with a lingering sadness is ours today.  We choose to celebrate the life that has been given us.  We proudly introduce our Faith to the world today looking forward to the days ahead and the children yet to come.”

Kayte and Kelsey Grammer

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