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“Dallas” Without Larry Hagman as JR: Forget It

Roger Friedman
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“Dallas” Without Larry Hagman as JR: Forget It

As a devoted “Dallas” fan from its golden era, I must speak up now.

There is no “Dallas” reboot for TV without Larry Hagman as JR Ewing. I’m sorry, that’s all there is to it.

I am fearful anyway of a revived “Dallas” that pits Jr and Sue Ellen’s son John Ross against Bobby and Pam Ewing’s adopted son, Christopher. Simply making it a show about warring cousins is not enough.

“Dallas” worked initially because JR and Bobby were fighting for the love of their father, Jock Ewing. Jock also had a ne’er do well drunk of a son in Gary, and a bastard son in Ray Krebs. The dynastic, patriarchal set up is what gave “Dallas” its frisson. And the fact that Hagman, as JR, was so deliciously over the top bedding hookers, madams, secretaries and business associates and putting the screws to anyone who got in his way.

The other great element of “Dallas” was its Greek chorus. When the show went off the air in 1991, I interviewed the two dozen of so recurring non contract players who made “Dallas” such a hoot, My favorites were Sly, JR’s secretary, played by Deborah Rennard, and Fern Fitzgerald, whose Marilee Stone, leader of the oil cartel, was brilliant. The lawyers, oil execs, waitresses, hostesses, etc are what underscored JR’s world. We loved it when the family went to the Oil Barons Ball or when the cartel came calling on JR with some lame proposition.

TNT can cast a bunch of young pretty people and it won’t matter. If “Dallas” doesn’t have Larry, Linda Grey, Patrick Duffy, and Ken Kercheval as the phenomenal Cliff Barnes, they might as well not throw good money away. (Hey, what Gary and Val’s kids, too, from “Knots Landing”?) “Dallas” is about texture and substance. The fans will not settle for anything less.

PS “Dallas” went off the air 20 years ago. John Ross should be about 40 (about the same age JR was when we met him).

Lawyer for Ken Starr, Hollywood Money Manager, Indicted by Feds

Roger Friedman
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Lawyer for Ken Starr, Hollywood Money Manager, Indicted by Feds

I told you about Jonathan Bristol, Ken Starr’s lawyer at the Winston & Strawn firm, back in August.

http://tinyurl.com/3y22t7f

On Thursday Bristol was indicted for money laundering in Starr’s many cases of stealing funds from his clients. Prosecutors say Bristol helped Starr steal millions from ten clients, without naming names. But Uma Thurman, producer Marty Bregman, talent agent Jim Wiatt, and 100 year old heiress Bunny Mellon are thought to be among them.

Bristol, the indictment says, was failing to bring in business at his law firm when he hooked up with Starr in 2008. He then used escrow accounts through his law firm to move Starr’s client’s funds around. Bristol, they say, had no trouble lying to the clients that their missing money had been moved to other investments.

At the same time, acting as his attorney, Bristol was billing Starr in the millions. The law firm, in February 2010, wanted to see the bills paid by Starr to them. Instead of getting the money from Starr, Bristol paid the firm with money from Starr’s escrow accounts–from his clients. The indictment says that he used $100,000 to do this.

The total amount of money the government says Bristol moved around illegally from Starr’s clients’ accounts came to $20 million.

Bristol’s arrest could signal that the government is not finished with the miscellaneous players in the Starr case. Still not addressed in all this is former Democratic fundraising chairman Marvin Rosen, whose Marose LLC was also used to hide Starr’s stolen money, and Planet Hollywood founder Keith Barish, who–along with Starr- had to settle a huge civil case in early 2010 with the estate of Joan Stanton.

Also not mentioned yet it is the fate of Andrew Stein, brother of Hollywood Reporter and Billboard magazine co-owner Jimmy Finkelstein. Stein, a former New York politician, was arrested last spring with Starr but so far nothing has happened with his case.

Here’s a link to another great piece of reporting on Bristol: http://tinyurl.com/39ewnvb

Aretha, Say A Little Prayer: She’s Home from the Hospital

Roger Friedman
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Aretha, Say A Little Prayer: She’s Home from the Hospital

Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul and dear friend, is home from the hospital and she’s ok.

Miss Franklin granted JET Magazine a short interview so we know she’s feeling better. She told the mag:

“I feel great. The doctors say I can do whatever I feel like I am up to do. Of course, that doesn’t mean any concerts or anything like that. But I can do things around the house, and today I am just piddling around the house.”

She’s going to go through eight weeks of recuperation and rest. Says Aretha: “I am putting Aretha together first. We will put Ree Ree together first. This is Aretha time to do whatever it is that I need to do. But I will talk more later.”

Countless celebrities have sent her messages of support  including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Condoleezza Rice, Shirley Caesar, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
She tells JET:  “There were so many people. I might not remember everyone’s name right this moment, but please, I want them know I appreciate their prayers.”

Aretha tells the magazine that she’s been relaxing by catching up on her reading, and going through her messages. “It is good to sit up, too. I also might make one or two business calls.  Not too much, just a teeny bit.”

Blake Edwards, Famed Director, Dies at Age 88

Roger Friedman
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Blake Edwards, Famed Director, Dies at Age 88

This will not be like the famous scenes from Blake Edwards‘ masterpiece satire, “SOB.” A studio executive dies on Malibu beach, and no realizes it. Dogs and kids run around him, the tide rolls in and out, and he just lies there.

Blake Edwards has died at age 88, and attention, as they say, must be paid. Known as Julie Andrews‘ husband, he was a comic genius. He’s quickly remembered for the “Pink Panther” films, but the list is so impressive. “Victor/Victoria” is a classic. “Days of Wine and Roses,” a masterpiece. “10” was so popular it was like an earthquake. “Switch” is the best solo performance by Ellen Barkin ever. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a cult favorite, memorable in every way.

And really, Edwards was an independent filmmaker, with a rebel’s heart. Like Robert Altman and Clint Eastwood, Edwards was one of the few mavericks who negotiated the studio system and never lost his identity. A Hollywood giant, Blake Edwards will be sorely missed.,

Exclusive: Mariah Carey Tells Back Story of How She Revealed Twins to Obama

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Mariah Carey Tells Back Story of How She Revealed Twins to Obama

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are having twins. Congrats! They broke the news last week to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle.

Here’s the backstory, as told by Mariah to a pal who prefers to remain unnamed:

“After waiting as long as possible w/out confirming or denying the rumors as to whether or not we are expecting twins, I told NC he could confirm this on his radio show this am. (Yaaaay! All is well am seeing a specialist and had a great ultrasound last night! )
We wanted to wait because of what happened last year and the fact that its technically a “high risk pregnancy” when expecting twins so we really wanted to make sure we were all good first.
Last week I performed for the President in DC for “Christmas in Washington” which airs on TNT tomorrow dec.17th. Ironically, I opened the show w/my own composition for “Merry Christmas ll you” “One Child” : ).
After closing the show w/”O come all ye faithful” I stood w/ host Ellen Degeneres and the rest of the performers (NC was seated in the front row next to Portia + the first family)as well all listened to president Obama’s Christmas message.
After he spoke, the President and First lady joined the performers in singing “Hark the herald angels”as they exchanged holiday wishes with us. I hadn’t told anybody about the twins but decided to share the news with the Obama’s as it was a once in a lifetime moment and I wanted to remember it forever and share the memory with my children when they are old enough to understand how special that was:
I almost had to bind and gag NC so he wouldn’t tell the world right away (lol)so after the latest ultrasound last night I said ok and apparently he confirmed it on air a few minutes ago,judging from the flurry of activity on twitter!
I just wanted to let you know for the record and tell you our story,
Happy holidays!
Love,
M
PS-Im not sure how they’ll edit it but I’m pretty sure if the cameras were rolling you can see me whispering to the Obama’s on stage at the end of the song. That’s when I told them.
TNT dec.17th. A very,very nice moment : )

SAG Awards: The Oscar Race Tightens for “King’s” “Social” “Kids” “Fighter” “Swan”

Roger Friedman
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SAG Awards: The Oscar Race Tightens for “King’s” “Social” “Kids” “Fighter” “Swan”

The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations are out, and everything changes again.

Some chances have been improved, some lessened. SAG nominations are the best predictors of Oscars, especially in the acting categories, much more than the Globes. Two major shifts: support for Mark Ruffalo, Hilary Swank, Robert Duvall, and John Hawkes. Missing from these noms: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg, Andrew Garfield, Julianne Moore, Matt Damon. So now, the campaigning becomes so much more interesting.

The Best Ensemble Award, which indicates Best Picture noms for the Oscars are: “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “The King’s Speech,” and “The Social Network.”

That’s exactly right. The next best film, “127 Hours,” is a one man show, so it wouldn’t qualify for that award.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JEFF BRIDGES / Rooster Cogburn – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)
ROBERT DUVALL / Felix Bush – “GET LOW” (Sony Pictures Classics)
JESSE EISENBERG / Mark Zuckerberg – “THE SOCIAL NETWORK” (Columbia Pictures)
COLIN FIRTH / King George VI – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
JAMES FRANCO / Aron Ralston – “127 HOURS” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
ANNETTE BENING / Nic – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Becca – “RABBIT HOLE” (Lionsgate)
JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Ree Dolly – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
HILARY SWANK / Betty Anne Waters – “CONVICTION” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
JOHN HAWKES / Teardrop – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
JEREMY RENNER / James Coughlin – “THE TOWN” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
MARK RUFFALO / Paul – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
GEOFFREY RUSH / Lionel Logue – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
AMY ADAMS / Charlene Fleming – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Queen Elizabeth – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
MILA KUNIS / Lily – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
MELISSA LEO / Alice Ward – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
HAILEE STEINFELD / Mattie Ross – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)

2010 Exclusive DeNiro Tells Me He’ll Appear in Martin Scorsese All Star Film with Pacino, Pesci, and Keitel

Roger Friedman
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2010 Exclusive DeNiro Tells Me He’ll Appear in Martin Scorsese All Star Film with Pacino, Pesci, and Keitel

Robert DeNiro is so happy about reuniting with Harvey Keitel in “Little Fockers” but their meeting is brief, and funny. The pair are associated in people’s minds from early Martin Scorsese movies.

So now DeNiro is really happy because he says Scorsese is putting together “The Irishman,” with him. Keitel, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino. Steve Zaillian has written the script, based on the novel., “I Heard You Paint Houses.”

DeNiro lit up when he was telling me about it last night at the Roseland Ballroom at the “Little Fockers” party. “We’re going to do it,” he insisted. Indeed, Scorsese is finishing up “Hugo Cabret.” This may be his next outing. As for his last one, “Shutter Island,” DeNiro is an unabashed fan. “It’s a very good film,” he said. And underrated.

Meanwhile, everyone from Universal and Paramount was fairly pleased with the out come of “Little Fockers.” Directed by Paul Weitz, with a script by John Hamburg, “Little Fockers” is very funny, and the perfect ending to the lucrative Fockers trilogy.It also lets DeNiro really send himself up with a running gag about “The GodFocker.” DeNiro, of course, played the real Godfather, young Don Corleone, and won an Oscar for his work in “The Godfather Pt. 2.”

Something really interesting about “Fockers,” Star Ben Stiller shot it right after finishing Noah Baumbach‘s “Greenberg.” Somewhere in there his acting style didn’t so much change put it picked up a new texture. He’s different. In “Fockers,” he seems more mature and grounded, less jokey and more centered. Rent “Greenberg” and see what I mean.

Also featured in “Fockers:” Ben’s talented actress sister, Amy Stiller, who has a nice little part. Like Ben, she’s a chip off the Stiller and Meara block.

Last night’s party for “Fockers” raised $750,000 for the Tribeca Film Institute. As Jane Rosenthal said, “Now we can pay our overheard for the next year.” Bravo!

At the party: the whole cast–Stiller, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Dustin Hoffman, etc– except for Streisand, who was accepting an award in California.Plus Susannah Hoffs, of the Bangles, married for a long time to one of the film’s producers Jay Roach (director of “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers”). She’s a doll.

The night’s revelation: Jessica Alba, who does a superb comic turn as Stiller’s business associate. It’s a new Jessica Alba, who told me she’s been busy at home with her two and a half year old daughter. “Fockers” was the right move.

Paul Simon Taking “Christmas” to Colbert Report Tomorrow

Roger Friedman
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Paul Simon Taking “Christmas” to Colbert Report Tomorrow

Paul Simon--who I think dreads reading his name in gossip columns but listen–we have to promote what he’s doing. Paul tells me he’s going to play his holiday song, “Getting Ready for Christmas Day,” on the Colbert Report tomorrow.

“It’s the first time I’ll play it live,” he told matchbox twenty’s Rob Thomas, me, and a couple of other people the other night at the Paul McCartney Apollo show after party.

You can see the video for “Getting Ready for Christmas Day” here: http://www.paulsimon.com

Simon’s new album-called “So Beautiful, So What”– will be released sometime in February or March, an occasion worth celebrating. I’m told–not by him–that he’s already booked on “Saturday Night Live” for late spring.

Until then, I suggest downloading or buying Simon’s last album, called “Surprise.” Warner Bros. bungled it, but it was the best album of 2007. Rob Thomas, upon meeting Simon the other night, quoted the lyrics back to him of “How Do You Live in the Northeast?” Simon was duly impressed. It’s a great song, and one of many on that CD.

Reese Witherspoon: New Film Has Eerie Bernie Madoff Connections

Roger Friedman
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Reese Witherspoon: New Film Has Eerie Bernie Madoff Connections

Is it a coincidence or did James L. Brooks take so long to finish “How Do You Know” that he managed to work in some connections to Bernie Madoff and his family.

This week, Mark Madoff committed suicide ostensibly because of his father’s horrifying financial crimes.

Now, on Friday, Sony/Columbia will at last open James L. Brooks’s woeful “How Do You Know” starring Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson. Nicholson plays a business titan who’s looted his big Wall Street company. Paul Rudd plays his son who will seemingly take the fall and go to jail for the dad.

The very odd pas de deux–they are miscast as father and son–has strange echoes of Bernie and Mark Madoff. Luckily, Rudd’s character–emotionally detached–does not take his own life. Instead, he sentences himself to a life sentence with Reese’s character.

Jim Brooks has so many successes and brilliant career moments, and only a couple of missteps. I guess he was due. “How Do You Know?” will be remembered as his “Waterworld.” With a minimum $120 million price tag, this unromantic, unfunny film is surely the other big bomb of the season after “The Tourist.”

In the set up, Reese has a casual sex relationship with Wilson, but is supposed to be on track toward a romance with Rudd. But Rudd always feels like odd man out as it’s played. Reese and Owen have good chemistry, even if her character–a women’s professional softball star–is so underbaked as to feel uncooked. Witherspoon looks bewildered through the whole film, and even angry–for some reason-at Rudd.

It’s hard to make Rudd charmless in a film, but somehow it’s been done here. He has chemistry with no one, clicks on zero levels. His best scenes are with the woman who plays his pregnant assistant–terrific actress Kathryn Hahn. But even Hahn seems clueless about what to do here.

For an analogy to another current film: Rudd is Mark Zuckerberg, and everyone else is from the Winklevoss family.

The characters are so disconnected from each other and from the audience that the movie feels like it’s spoken in a foreign language. Nicholson is a adrift except in one scene, which lasts a nanosecond, of a possible incredible plot twist in a hospital room. If that twist had gone through, the whole movie might have changed. But then hope is snuffed out as we realize it’s for naught. Oh well.

Brooks is great, and hopefully he’ll adapt a novel like “Terms of Endearment” again and make a stunning comeback.

True Grit, Jeff Bridges Don’t Need Those Golden Globes

Roger Friedman
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True Grit, Jeff Bridges Don’t Need Those Golden Globes

The directors and cast of “True Grit” seem like they weathered their total shut out from the Golden Globes just fine. They had a big all star premiere at the Ziegfeld last night, followed by a grand party that took over the famed Four Seasons restaurant.

Stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, and 14 year Hailee Steinfeld, as well as writers-directors Joel and Ethan Coen celebrated the film’s big successes with the Critics Choice Awards and lots of other kudos from the likes of Robert DeNiro and Grace Hightower, Holly Hunter, Owen Wilson, Marcia Gay Harden, John Legend, DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, Al Maysles, Parker Posey, director Stephen Daldry, Paul Haggis, Joe Morton, a very pregnant Gretchen Mol with director husband Tod Williams, the eternal Sylvia Miles, Joe Pantoliano, Jill Hennessey, Carla Gugino, Lorne Michaels, comic Bill Hader, and Jena Malone.

Whew!

Jeff Bridges told me he’s finished the basic tracks for the album this column announced a few weeks ago. Produced by T Bone Burnett, with lots of guest stars, it should come out  on Blue Note Records early next spring.

For a while, Jeff huddled at the Four Seasons with Owen Wilson and Joel Coen. Meantime Paramount heavyweights Brad Grey and Phillippe Dauman are pretty pleased they’ve got two hats in the Oscar ring–“True Grit” and “The Fighter.”

Tonight, Paramount and Universal share the spotlight on “Little Fockers,” set to be the big commercial movie of the Christmas season.

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