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Ex Spy Valerie Plame Puts Rupert Murdoch On the Peace Train

Roger Friedman
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5
Ex Spy Valerie Plame Puts Rupert Murdoch On the Peace Train

Valerie Plame Wilson: you remember her. She was outed as an undercover CIA agent by now-deceased journalist Robert Novak. He’s in jail. Valerie was married (and still is) to diplomat Joseph Wilson, who was critical of Bush/Cheney. The reveal was said to be retribution against Wilson. This all happened in the beloved Cheney administration.

Now Plame has a lot going on. The Doug Liman directed film about her life, called “Fair Game,” will debut in Cannes next month. Expect a lot of heat.

Plame and Liman were guests last night at a screening of a new documentary about nuclear disarmament called “Countdown to Zero.” It’s directed by Lucy Walker and produced by Lawrence Bender, who’s mounting a massive online and college campus campaign akin to his “Inconvenient Truth.” This gang is going all out to spread the word about the scary realities of nuclear war.

www.takepart.com/zero

Plame was drafted into the cause because her specialty at the CIA was working on whether or not Iran had a nuclear weapon. Now hat’s ex-CIA, Plame can talk about the dangers of nuclear weapons, who has them, who’s trying to get them, and why it all has to stop now. She’s an effective speaker–it turns out she’s also a knockout–and communicates well on film and off.

During a Q&A after dinner at the Plaza Athenee dining room–in front of a room of media types and politicos–Plame introduced herself as “no longer the scandal girl.” She was “outed” in 2003. She’s finally been able to move on. “I’ve had a lot of time to get used to not being with the CIA,” she told me.

Interestingly: in this crowd of liberal minded types were Rupert and Wendi Murdoch. Mrs. M. heartily congratulated Walker when the film finished. (I wonder if Murdoch will start pushing peace on Fox News. After all, James Baker is in the movie.)

Other guests included famed attorney David Boies (he argued for Al Gore in front of the Supreme Court), Sports Illustrated editor Terry McDonell; Queen Noor of Jordan; advisor to everyone David Gergen; CBS’s Bob Simon; media expert Gerry Byrne; veteran network journalist Bob Jamieson; writers Susan Brownmiller and Alix Kates Shulman; directors Bob and Leslie Zemeckis; and Participant Films’ Jeff Skoll, who underwrote the film.

:Countdown to Zero” will open July 9th in a limited run. It’s a terrific film, must-see viewing this summer. No one likes to think about nuclear weapons and war, but Walker makes the subject clear and fascinating. More on “Countdown” closer to release day.

CBS Will Replace “As the World Turns” With a Real Soap Opera

Roger Friedman
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4
CBS Will Replace “As the World Turns” With a Real Soap Opera

There’s much to say about CBS and Procter & Gamble canceling “As the World Turns.” It’s a slap at fans who’ve followed the show for 54 years. Through ups and downs, “As the World Turns” has always been the Cadillac of soaps.

Now comes word that CBS is going to shoot a pilot starring Julie Chen, wife of Les Moonves, that will be something like “The View.” If they like it, and you know they will, Julie and her girls will air at 2pm EST in place of “As the World Turns” starting next fall.

First of all, in all full disclosure, I know and like Julie Chen. She hosts “Big Brother” during the summer, and she’s a witty, fun, contributor to the CBS team. I don’t think anyone has anything against Julie Chen.

But it does look bad, doesn’t it? First there was Moonves’s (I also know him and like him) sneering disregard for “World Turns.” When I asked him about it one night, he told me that it was a closed chapter–“especially shows with single sponsors.” Procter & Gamble has been a cheap, whiny host to it soaps, whittling them down to nothing over the last 20 years. I’m sure dealing with them was no fun.

Chen doesn’t need this aggravation. Competing with “The View” is a non-starter. It’s like taking on “Regis and Kelly.” You’re not going to win. The TV audience smells a rip off. Like it or not, “The View” was  a unique idea. Trying to copy it is project that will only end in tears.

Meanwhile, over at “World Turns,” P&G and the producers are doing their damnedest to alienate what’s left of the audience. After an Emmy worth episode with alum Julianne Moore, the show is not doing much to feature favorite ex-players or tie up loose ends for the legacy fans. If I didn’t know better, I’d say P&G wants to make sure that by September 17th, no one is left with nostalgia–or blame for the corporate giant. They did it with “Guiding Light,” last year, reducing it to rubble. Very sad, and very lame.

Me, I switched from Crest to Colgate Total a long time ago.

Roy Orbison Day Is Friday (Growl)

Roger Friedman
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1
Roy Orbison Day Is Friday (Growl)

It’s hard to believe but one of the greats, Roy Orbison, the man with sunglasses and the growl (see “Oh, Pretty Woman”) has been gone for 22 years. On Friday, he would have turned 74.

Luckily, Roy left behind a devoted widow and three terrific sons who keep the flame burning. They’ve got all kinds of stuff planned to commemorate the day, most of which you can check out at www.royorbison.com.

Roy’s widow, Barbara, is a force of nature. Like Olivia Harrison, Barbara just keeps on making the right moves so that the public never forgets this great icon. On Friday, for example, she’s got the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville hosting a benefit for Musicians On Call with a bunch of musicians like J.D. Souther and Rodney Crowell playing Roy’s music. Down in Texas, the Hard Rock cafes are also saluting Roy on Friday. Barbara is also releasing a new album, “Live in Las Vegas ’83,” with newly remastered performances by Roy from the Conga Room.

So light a candle for Roy Orbison on Friday. There was no one else like him, and he can’t be replaced. He was one of a kind.

Roy Orbison, \”Crying\” (Live)

“Men in Black 3-D” Set to Roll with Will Smith

Roger Friedman
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58

I guess it’s official, more or less.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld tells me that “Men in Black 3-D” is ready to roll. Will Smith has signed on, Tommy Lee Jones is in, and a script is awaited.

Yes. I did say 3D. “Men in Black 3” will be in 3D. Sonnenfeld says it is so. Why not? Everything else is, and this is one movie that might be cool in the process.

Sonnenfeld told me he’d get me a neuralizer–that’s the cigar holder like gizmo that erases memories–but he couldn’t promise it would work! (I love that thing.)

Nevertheless, you can bet Sony is juiced to get this puppy moving since “Spider Man 4” fell apart. They are in desperate need of a blockbuster for next Memorial Day May 2011. And “Men in Black” is like money in the bank.

I ran into Sonnenfeld, by the way, at Vanity Fair’s annual outdoor cocktail soiree at the New York State Supreme Court building. This is the party that launches the Tribeca Film Festival. Graydon Carter greeted each guest as they climbed the massive stairs to th e portico. Right behind him were Robert DeNiro and Grace Hightower, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, and everyone who’s anyone in town.

That list included Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Chazz and Gia Palminteri, Brian Williams, Patricia Clarkson. Google chief Eric Schmidt, Charlie Rose and Amanda Burden, Rob and Marisol Thomas, John McEnroe, Harvey Keitel, Ronald Perelman, Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller, Griffin Dunne, Ed Burns and Christy Turlington, Queen Noor of Jordan, Andre Balazs, Andrew McCarthy, John Leguizamo, Veronica Webb, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, city councilwoman Christine Quinn, Drew and Ann Nieporent, and Oscar winning “Precious” screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher.

Yes. just another night, Vanity Fair style! Later we ran into Uma Thurman having dinner at Carter’s Waverly Inn, while Graydon himself was said to have taken a gang up to (his) Monkey Bar.

And PS: here’s a little gossip from John McEnroe, Wife Patty Smythe, a great rocker before she settled down with John to raise six children, is in Nashville recording her first album in 20 years! Remember “The Warrior?” http://tinyurl.com/y49cdae

Michael Jackson Cirque Deal May Launch Reality Show

Roger Friedman
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6

Michael Jackson‘s estate has made a deal with Cirque du Soleil, much as I predicted on November 11, 2009: http://tinyurl.com/y5rolc5

But the Cirque du Soleil deal is going to have many branches, from what I’m told. The feeling now is that the shows will use three choreographers. Two will be well known. A third may be selected from a reality show competition that would also yield dancers.

“Michael was always looking for new talent,” says an insider. “We would find it through a reality show.”

The Cirque deal will be a bonanza for Jackson’s estate. But it’s got to be a blow to AEG Live’s Randy Phillips and director/choreographer Kenny Ortega. They put together the “This is It” show and movie. But from the beginning, I am told, executors John Branca and John McClain were taken with the Cirque gestalt. Plus, as one observer put it, “AEG would have to get sponsors. Cirque du Soleil just writes the check.”

The Cirque shows, by the way, will feature holograms, 3D gizmos, and a futuristic theater that has moving seats. Michael would have loved it.

AmFAR Really Wants Sharon Stone Back Next Year

Roger Friedman
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0
AmFAR Really Wants Sharon Stone Back Next Year

Kevin Frost, the CEO of amFAR, sent me a statement this morning regarding Sharon Stone.

He says: “Although Sharon won’t be with us this year because of her shooting schedule, we at amfAR hope she will join us again next year.  Everyone recognizes the extraordinary passion and dedication she brings to our cause and how that has contributed to the phenomenal success of Cinema Against AIDS.”

An amFAR publicist says I should note that Stone has not been with the group “since the beginning” and that Stone is not actually credited with raising $290 million. Rather, amFAR has raised a total of $300 million since its inception. Also, Stone has taped a video message that will be played at this year’s Cinema Against AIDS.

Despite Stone’s absence, Cinema Against AIDS will no doubt be a big hit again this year. And in the end, raising money for AIDS research is more important than any one person or celebrity–something with which I think everyone can agree.

PS Stone’s publicist says she’s shooting a movie in Belgium, which I believe is right next door to France. Maybe Stone will surprise everyone and make a cameo in Cannes!

Katherine Heigl Switches Flacks As Film Career Heats Up

Roger Friedman
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0
Katherine Heigl Switches Flacks As Film Career Heats Up

“Grey’s Anatomy” isn’t the only thing Katherine Heigl has left behind for a film career.

Heigl, I am told, has left her long time publicist Melissa Kates and returned to the firm that Kates ankled some months ago: PMK-BNC.

Heigl is preparing for the release of two films later this year and early next: “Killers” directed by Robert Luketic, and “Life as We Know It” directed by Greg Berlanti. The actress went with Kates when the publicist split from PMK to join colleague Jennifer Allen in their new firm.

At the same time, Allen has lost Zoe Deschanel, sources say, who’s also gone back to PMK. Deschanel is trying to have a music career right now, and has an HBO pilot in which she plays rock groupie Pamela des Barres. PMK has a strong music list, which may have lured her back.

Shock: Sharon Stone Out As Cannes AmFar Auction Star

Roger Friedman
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0
Shock: Sharon Stone Out As Cannes AmFar Auction Star

Here’s a shocker: after raising $290 million over the last several years as cheerleader extraordinaire, Sharon Stone will not be at this year’s AmFar Cinema Against AIDS gala in Cannes.

Sharon confirmed for me last night that AmFar simply didn’t invite her this year. “So I took a movie,” she said. “I had to get back to my career anyway.”

Stone will be in Thailand filming “The Burma Conspiracy” when the AmFar dinner occurs on May 20th at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France. Prior to this she hasn’t missed a Cinema Against AIDS dinner since it began. Her participation in the live auction is credited for raising $290 million.

“The show,” as she calls it, has been the main attraction for rich Europeans and Arabs who traveled to Cannes just to meet Stone and see her cajole millions out of celebrities and billionaires.

But two years ago, Stone’s “show” was considered over the top and some members of the AmFar board complained about it. Last year, Stone’s participation was limited to speaking just about the late Natasha Richardson. Professional auctioneer Jamie Niven took her place, although Stone’s presence was still the draw.

This year Niven will be back, sources say, along with actor Alan Cumming--whom Entertainment Weekly is reporting just pulled out of the Broadway show, “Spider Man: Turn off the Dark.” Will Cumming be effective as Stone? It’s possible but unlikely. One thing AmFar can’t calculate is Stone’s appeal as a real movie star. She brought glamor to the Riviera when she succeeded Elizabeth Taylor years ago.

I did see Sharon last night at the ’21’ Club dinner for an HBO documentary about burlesque, where she shared a table with old pal and co-star Michael Douglas. She told me her four “Law & Order: SVU” episodes are each stand alone; there is no arc that ties them all together. Sharon plays the DA, and she’s loving it. “It’s hard work,” she admitted.

So maybe a year apart will be good for Stone and for AmFar. I predict a reunion in 2011. In the meantime, AmFar leader Kenneth Cole must have some other good surprises up his tailor made sleeve if he wants to extrude the big bucks from the money bags next month.

Trudie Styler Stopped by Volcanic Ash Cloud

Roger Friedman
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2
Trudie Styler Stopped by Volcanic Ash Cloud

Usually nothing can stop the intrepid Trudie Styler from her appointed rounds.

But a screening of Jonas Elrod and Chloe Crespi‘s “Wake Up”– a documentary Styler exec produced–had to go on without her last night at the Tribeca Film Center. The Iceland volcanic ash cloud had left her in London, unable to attend.

So Styler called in husband Sting to the rescue. He was an able host, reading Styler’s regrets to the crowd of friends and family. Sting liked the doc so much, by the way, that his song, “Fragile,” appears over the end credits.

The often wacky, very new Agey doc is Elrod’s story of how he awoke about four years ago to visions–of angels, demons, and ghosts. He proceeds to document his journey into the world of the supernatural and unknown. It’s as if a flash-sideways from the show “Lost’ became a reality. The audience loved it. I predict a cult hit.

The film will be out on DVD next month. You can read about it at http://wakeupthefilm.com/.

In the meantime: Sting appears with the Roots this Sunday in Washington, DC for an Earth Day celebration on the Mall. Styler was supposed to speak at the concert, but the Cloud may prevent her from traveling.

Zemeckis Says New “Yellow Submarine” Will Be Cutting Edge

Roger Friedman
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0
Zemeckis Says New “Yellow Submarine” Will Be Cutting Edge

Director Robert Zemeckis reassured me last night about his remake of the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.”

“It will be cutting edge,” he said. The animation will be 3D, plus both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr as well as Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono, have been very involved in it, Zemeckis says. The “Roger Rabbit” director has already picked out unknown British actors for voices of the Fab Four and is very enthused. So Beatle fans shouldn’t worry.

Zemeckis was the ’21’ Club for a dinner to honor his wife, Leslie. Her documentary about burlesque, “Burly the Q,” brought out Michael Douglas, writer-director Brian Koppelman (of Douglas’s sensational new film, “Solitary Man”), plus Sharon Stone, Alan Alda, Stacy Keach, hot new star Benjamin Walker (from the Public Theater’s “Andrew Bloody Jackson”), “60 Minutes” anchor Bob Simon, documentary film legends DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, producer Jean Doumanian, the always entertaining Bill McCuddy, GossipCentral.com writer Regina Weinreich, producer Wendy Finerman, J. Walter Thompson’s Sally Morrison, and actor Steve Guttenberg.

I liked Leslie Zemeckis–she wore a little crown in honor of her burlesque heroes. She could have been Jessica Rabbit–which is a nice segue. Bob Z says a script “is being written” for a “Roger Rabbit” sequel. It’s about time!

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