“The King’s Speech” is headed to Broadway. But readers of this column know I broke this story last year–that David Seidler wrote the script as a play, then converted it into the Oscar winning film. Producers have announced that British actor Charles Edwards and Australian Jonathan Hyde will play, respectively, King George VI and Lionel Logue, playing the roles originated on screen by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. They will likely not be the actors who come to Broadway, but for the time being these guys will tour the United Kingdom starting in February 2012 and open in the West End sometime next spring. The Broadway opening would most likely occur a year from now. Adrian Noble is set as director. Here’s the link to the original story, just so some others don’t try to claim it was theirs: http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/10/26/kings-speech-oscar-buzzed-film-set-for-broadway-next-year
Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” Surprise Screens at New York Film Festival
“Hugo,” Martin Scorsese and Paramount’s big family friendly entry for Thanksgiving, was the surprise screening at the New York Film Festival. Billed as a work in progress, “Hugo” is still being tinkered with. But it’s pretty much done, and nearly all of the local entertainment press saw it last night. Avery Fisher Hall had to be fitted overnight with new 3D technology to accommodate the screening, too. And Scorsese showed up and introduced the film.Most of his staff was there including Oscar winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker, who’s still eying “Hugo” with one hand on her mouse.
So what’s the story? Based on the book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” Hugo is about a boy in early 20th century France who stumbles on an old, revered filmmaker (Ben Kingsley, playing a version of real life director Georges Melies.). In the process he learns about Georges’s life and his own, especially that of his own deceased father (Jude Law). “Hugo” is stuffed with supporting roles and cameos, the most interesting of which go to Sacha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer, Michael Stuhlbarg and Frances de la Tour. Johnny Depp is listed as a producer, but rumors of a cameo by him are said to be false.
Scorsese himself, of course, makes a Hitchcock like appearance. He does a few things with “Hugo”–it’s his first family film, but not necessarily for children. Also, he gets to explore his passion for film preservation and film history by making Georges a fictional version of his own many heroes. Scorsese also gets to re-enact famous film scenes, like Harold Lloyd dangling from the clock hands.
And in fact, “Hugo” is all about clocks. Much of it takes place in a grand Paris train station underneath a clock tower. Using really terrific 3D process, Scorsese goes inside the whirring gears of the place. That’s what sets “Hugo” apart. That, and of course, the fantastic archival film clips he uses for Georges’s retrospectives. You know that Scorsese is just over the moon introducing this stuff to new generations.
“Hugo” opens on November 23rd with a lavish Howard Shore score, and a huge promo push. It’s unlike any Martin Scorsese movie you’ve ever seen. No one gets whacked. But there are wonderful long shots. It’s the work of a master craftsman who loves film. It shows.
West Memphis Three: “If you think someone else was responsible for you losing 18 years of your life, it would drive you insane”
The celebrated West Memphis Three– Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, Jesse Misskelley, Jr. — made their first appearance together today since being released from prison in August after 17 years. The trio arrived at the end of HBO’s morning press screening of Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky‘s extraordinary “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory.”
The film now contains an Epilogue chronicling their unusual arrangement to get out of an Arkansas prison even though they were forced –wrongly–to admit their guilt while maintaining their innocence. It’s a bizarre situation, leaving them technically cited for life as convicted murderers even though they are innocent.
What’s more, the new film firmly places blame for the terrible 1993 murders of three 8 year old boys at the feet of one of their stepfathers, Terry Hobbs. Even more incredibly, virtually all of the family members of the children have turned against Hobbs and support Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley–most prominently the father of one of the boys, John Mark Byers. Disturbingly the judge who let this miscarriage of justice go on for so long–David Burnett–is now off the bench and loose in the Arkansas political system as a state senator. (This story does nothing to help preconceived notions about the South, that’s for sure.)
The HBO Press conference was so emotional that at one point Misskelley, a genial man who is described in the film as “mildly retarded,” had to be escorted from the stage and left the room. You can only feel deep sympathy for him, what he’s been through, and how he’ll survive now. The West Memphis Three are prohibited at this point from seeking financial damages against the state of Arkansas.
Nichols and Baldwin are in better shape. Baldwin, in particular, is now planning on pursuing a career in law. He worked in the prison law library for the last several years. The two only saw each other once — aside from court appearances– and by accident. Baldwin said that when Echols published his book–and mentioned it–he lost his job in the law library immediately.
Nichols was on death row and would have been executed if Baldwin had not agreed to the unusual Alford law to get them all out of prison. Initially he was arrested not because of evidence but because he wore black clothing as a teenager and acted like an outsider. I am happy to report he still wears black clothing. (I told him that in New York that would never have been an issue.) Echols also wore sunglasses during the press conference, not out of hubris, but simply because he is overwhelmed by this experience. Even though he’s grateful for Berlinger and Sinofsky’s movies, Echols is also not comfortable with the publicity. “The worst part,” he said, “is talking about and living it over and over again.”
As for Terry Hobbs, who’s never been arrested for the murders or accused by the Arkansas of any wrongdoing, Echols said: “Terry Hobbs I try not to think about all. That’s the sort of thing that would drive you crazy. If you think someone else was responsible for you losing 18 1/2 years of your life, it would drive you insane.”
PS No investigation has ever been conducted with Hobbs, although the film lays out–and so does Byers–many inconsistencies with his original police interview, the timeline, and his alibi. When HBO airs the film in January, you can draw your own conclusions.
Rosie O’Donnell: Can She Save Oprah’s OWN Network?
Can Rosie O’Donnell save Oprah’s OWN network? My guess is, yes. Tonight at 7 eastern time, Rosie goes live with “The Rosie Show” and her first guest, Russell Brand. During the day she’ll do a warm up test show with Melissa Gilbert. It won’t happen overnight. But given that Discovery, which owns OWN, is turning over all their channels to Rosie’s debut, and putting a lot behind this, I think Rosie should have an easy comeback to talk TV. And the 7pm slot suits her: she can be a little bawdy, she doesn’t have to be the Nice Guy all the time. On the other hand, O’Donnell’s new show will certainly be upbeat and funny. It also has to stay away from national politics. What everyone needs now is entertainment. Rosie’s success could be pinned to her idea of emulating her heroes, Mike Douglas and Ed Sullivan. Rosie is on Channel 115 in Manhattan, by the way. You can look up OWN (I had no idea where it was) at www.rosie.com
Early this morning she blogged about her anticipation of the first day. Here it is: http://www.oprah.com/rosie/rosie-blog.html
eggs r hatching
everywhere
vulnerable exciting
alive
write a blog
4 the new rosie dot com
due after lunch
its past midnight
watching conan
who always makes me laugh
poker on ESPN next
i pray for a dance mom marathon
tomorrow morning i tape my first test show
a live audience ready
melissa gilbert flying in to play
all in chicago
i have fallen in love with this city
and it came as a surprise
shocking – really
i knew nothing of chicago
its beauty is startling
the wide clean streets
smiling hellos
the buckingham fountain took my breath away
tonight at GIBSONS steak house
i met a man named mo
who waits tables with such style and grace
survived a heart attack last year
a young couple newly engaged
so completely happy
ready 2 begin
life together
in the next booth
an 89 year old woman
with her daughter and adult grandson
jewish perfect real
another woman from africa
with the most genuine smile
eyes that sparkled as she squirted soap into my palms
here 4 only 8 months
as i prepare to return
2 something much bigger than a show
i am reminded how lucky i am
have always been
thank u oprah
here we go
Michelle Williams Jumps Into Lead for Best Actress with “Marilyn”
It won’t be in theaters for a few weeks, but “My Week with Marilyn” premiered last night at the New York Film Festival and put Michelle Williams in the lead for Best Actress. Williams creates Marilyn Monroe instead of imitating her, bringing this 90 minute or so memoir to life in unexpected ways. Indeed, the director Simon Curtis has done a remarkable job of fashioning Colin Clark‘s 1995 book, “The Prince, the Showgirl and Me” into a charming snapshot of the period Marilyn Monroe spent in London filming with Sir Laurence Olivier’s “The Prince and the Showgirl.”
Of course, this took place before Marilyn got embroiled with the Kennedys. She was unhappily married to playwright Arthur Miller and already boozing it up and taking pills. She was never on time to a movie set, and was under the watchful eye of Paula Strasberg, wife of famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Monroe, Paula, Milton Greene, and her publicist Arthur Jacobs. They are played, respectively and brilliantly, by Zoe Wanamaker (Paula), Dominic Cooper (Greene), and Toby Young (Jacobs).
Rounding out the cast are Kenneth Branagh as Olivier in an Oscar worthy performance, and the perpetually magnificent Judi Dench as actress Sybil Thorndike. Finally there’s Eddie Redmayne, dewy eyed and totally convincing as young Colin who falls in love with Monroe during the short time he’s assigned to watch her for the production. Emma Watson, of “Harry Potter” fame, has a small but convincing role as the girl Colin (Eddie) toys with while the movie is being made.
The production is lavish and beautifully shot, so that adds to the project’s attributes. But it’s the acting and the script that carry the day for “Marilyn.” This could have turned out to be a cable movie, with the actors all overdoing it. But Curtis has pulled something interesting off here: it’s a slight story, and we know it. Marilyn boozing and not showing up for work. She was the Lindsay Lohan of her day. But Curtis has managed to assemble all the ingredients in unique ways. Michelle Williams doesn’t pretend to be Marilyn Monroe. She simply creates her own Marilyn, the way Philip Seymour Hoffman invented Truman Capote, or Cate Blanchett made up Katharine Hepburn.
Williams is luminous and vulnerable. But she also plays Marilyn as a woman who knows what she’s doing. She isn’t a victim. Indeed, this Marilyn is a little bit of a manipulator. Williams gives her an edge that lifts Marilyn off the list of Dead Famous Stars and makes her human. And she sings–Williams shows off a convincing voice–not a “Mr. President” whisper but Marilyn’s real singing voice–another reason Academy voters will embrace her.
The script gives the supporting characters a lot of opportunities. Zoe Wanamaker makes the most of this with her Paula Strasberg. The Strasbergs took Marilyn under their wings and would not let go. Wanamaker has the smothering, passive aggressive Paula just so right that it doesn’t even matter if it’s true. Williams’ Marilyn is happy to have her Rasputins in Lee and Paula. Then: Branagh is the heart and soul of the film as Olivier. It’s his best performance ever on screen. At last he seems ready not to condescend to the audience. He’s just great. And Julia Ormond is more than endearing as Olivier’s then wife, Vivien Leigh.
A few pals showed up last night to support Williams and Redmayne, like Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Curtis is married to American actress Elizabeth McGovern, and it’s always great to see her. But mainly there’s a lot to think about with “My Week with Marilyn.” The fawning over Monroe, her lack of self esteem and self confidence, the efforts of her sycophants to cover her addictions and illness–this took place in 1957, and it’s still happening now all the time.
Paul McCartney Marries for Third Time, on John Lennon’s 71st Birthday
Maybe it’s a good omen. Paul McCartney got married today for the third time, and it was also John Lennon’s 71st birthday. The always Beatle had Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach in attendance for his marriage to Nancy Shevell. George Harrison’s devoted widow, Olivia, is there with son Dhani according to sources. But Yoko Ono is not. She is in Iceland at a ceremony remembering Lennon. (For some reason, Ono likes to go to Reykjavik on Lennon’s birthday, it seems, almost every year.)
The couple visited a nearby London synagogue on Saturday so Nancy could get rabbi’s blessing, according to reports. Nancy, like Paul’s beloved late first wife Linda Eastman, is Jewish.
Shevell wore a white dress designed by Paul’s daughter, fashion star Stella McCartney. The word is that little Beatrice, Paul’s daughter with second wife Heather Mills, was the ring bearer. Paul’s brother, Mike, was the best man. It was all done in a low key manner at the local town hall in London, where Paul married Linda Eastman in 1969. A reception is taking place in the backyard of Paul’s London home with about 35 guests. A New York party is planned.
PS According to a London paper, Paul will sing three songs to Nancy at the wedding reception today–including her “favorite,” (who knows if this is true), “Let Me Roll it to You.” At least she has favorites–years ago Heather Mills professed to not knowing any Beatles songs.
photo Getty Images
Paul McCartney’s New Step Son Already Digging London
Paul McCartney gets married today to Nancy Shevell, which will be a nice thing for everyone. But it’s nicest for Arlen Blakeman, Nancy’s 18 year old son. Arlen attends Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. But according to his Facebook page, he’s in “Londome for the holidays.” Arlen and pals already took in Buckingham Palace. Last night he reported that they hit The Box nightclub in Soho, London. They also hit Stringfellows nightclub. The young lads are having a grand time! (Can you imagine being 18 and Paul McCartney’s newly minted stepson? It’s like being Prince Harry with no responsibilities.) Arlen lists a lot of music likes on his Facebook page, mostly rap and Led Zeppelin. He also has a link to James McCartney, Paul’s son his new stepbrother. Very wise. James’s Facebook music has links to all of his very listenable recordings. Reports from London are that the wedding reception today is smallish, with just Paul’s kids, grandkids, Nancy’s family, and some of the Eastmans, Paul’s in-laws. No doubt his brother Mike McCartney will also be on hand. Congrats to all.
Scorsese, Spielberg, Lucas, Eastwood: Whose Secret Film Will Be Shown Monday?
The film word is buzzing. It’s a great publicity stunt. On Monday night at 7pm, a film billed as a work in progress will be shown at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. The film, a surprise for the New York Film Festival, is billed as one by a master filmmaker. It hasn’t been shown to anyone yet. No screenings. So: what could it be?
The field narrows to four. Here are the choices: “Hugo,” from Martin Scorsese. The only problem there is that “Hugo” has been screened by Scorsese privately. I heard a whole account of that showing at least two weeks ago. “J. Edgar” by Clint Eastwood might be the one. But a “work in progress”? Not likely. “J Edgar” has to be finished. Its release is imminent. How about “War Horse” by Steven Spielberg? Not due until December. And the “War Horse” play is showing at Lincoln Center. So there’s that connection. But “War Horse” also seems like an unlikely work in progress.
This afternoon I’m leaning toward George Lucas’s “Red Tails.” Filming started years ago, and the movie has been something of a mystery. Knowing Lucas, it’s still not ready. There’s a release date of January 6, 2012 which misses the Oscar deadline. Maybe Lucas wants to test the waters for an Oscar run. “Red Tails,” if it’s good, could be the blockbuster Oscar picture Hollywood needs this season. The plot thickens. But what fun!
How Ken Starr’s Wife Learned She Was Number 4, Not Number 3
I just read New York Magazine’s piece on Diane Passage, the (former stripper) wife of incarcerated and convicted swindler to the stars Ken Starr. The piece is very nice atmosphere wise, but is short on facts and kind of mixes stuff up. I wrote several stories about Starr and Passage after his arrest in May 2010, all exclusive. It was this column that revealed that Passage was wife number 4, not number 3. I also detailed Starr’s unusual settlement with third wife, Marisa. And I interviewed the missing first wife Sheila. The New York piece ignores all of that to make the story sound more exciting.
Also, the New York piece skips over several important elements including Starr’s swindling of the wealthy Stanton family, and the recent guilty plea of Jonathan Bristol, the lawyer who helped Starr pull off his $33 million takedown of celebrities like Mike Nichols, Uma Thurman, and Carly Simon.
PS What New York also failed to mention is that Passage, a plucky entrepreneur, went straight into a clothing line business with the daughter of Marv Rosen, Starr’s attached at the hip best friend and former Clinton fundraiser, whose Marose Fund was used by Starr to funnel his clients’ money according to prosecutors. Rosen has mysteriously disappeared from the Starr story entirely.
http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/05/29/clinton-dem-fundraiser-entangled-in-hollywood-ponzi-story
http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/07/05/ken-starr-jailed-celeb-money-manager-gave-ex-wife-750k-a-year
http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/12/16/lawyer-for-ken-starr-hollywood-money-manager-indicted-by-feds
http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/06/11/ken-starr-case-goes-to-59-mil-with-new-hollywood-victims
Arista Records, Home to Whitney Houston and Santana, Dead at 36
Arista Records is over. The new management at Sony’s RCA division have put the venerable label started by Clive Davis to sleep at age 36. Arista had drifted since 2000 when BMG, which owned it then, let then overall chief Michael Dornemann oversee the ousting of Davis. By the time that was over, Dornemann was gone and Davis was back with his own label, J Records. Arista went to L.A. Reid, who ran it for a few years before leaving for Island DefJam at Universal Music.
Now, of course, Reid is with Sony, half the people from Sony and Universal have traded jobs. In this latest scuffle, Arista has quietly been put out of business. It’s a shame really. Arista has enormous legacy with dozens of huge acts and famous albums to its credit. From Whitney Houston’s catalog–including “The Bodyguard” soundtrack– to Carlos Santana’s amazing Grammy winning comeback with “Smooth”–Arista deserves more than to be a footnote in history.
Davis started it in 1974 from the rubble of little Bell Records with Barry Manilow’s “Mandy.” Hit after hit kept coming, but not all were in the Whitney-Manilow middle of the road category. At different times, Arista released the Grateful Dead, Graham Parker and the Rumour, and the Kinks. All of them had hit records there, not just because of Davis, but also because of great record people like Richard Palmese. (He’s now gone on to work with Irving Azoff’s management company in Los Angeles.)
Arista had a visionary quality about it, too. Davis introduced Patti Smith in 1974 and backed her as the punk Bob Dylan. By 1978 she had a top 10 hit with Bruce Springsteen’s “Because the Night.” Arista also was cutting edge enough to put out some UK releases from Stiff Records including the not forgotten Iam Gomm.
Of course, Arista had Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart,” and Dionne Warwick’s return with “Heartbreaker” and “I’ll Never Love this Way Again” and “Deja Vu.” Davis had a huge run on Arista with Aretha Franklin (“Jump to It,” “Freeway of Love”). Carly Simon’s gigantic “Coming Around Again” was on Arista, as was her Oscar winning “Let the River Run” from “Working Girl.” Eric Carmen’s classics “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” were early Arista hits.
There were hiccups: Milli Vanilli became a scandal for the ages when it turned out they didn’t actually sing their songs. But the group was signed in Germany,and the American side didn’t know the real story. The minute they found out, Milli Vanilli was relegated to history as an unfunny joke. But Arista had a propensity for catchy 45s like Milli Vanilli’s “Blame it on the Rain.” They were also responsible for Air Supply and Ace of Base. Famously Taylor Dayne had her 80s disco hits on Arista. And Lisa Stansfied’s “All Around the World” is still played on oldies radio. Not everything could be Lou Reed, Iggy Pop (who they also released) or Prince.
Some other Arista acts over the years: Alan Jackson, Hall & Oates, Alan Parsons Project, and Kenny G–the latter was so mellow that his cousin, Howard Schultz, had to start Starbucks to wake everybody up.
There were more, lots more, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important. But rest in peace, Arista. You join a long line of labels–Motown, Stax, Sceptre and so on–that made a huge cultural impact and eventually came to an end. The music lives on. Â
And Clive Davis? He’s working on the new Leona Lewis album even as we speak. So there.