Paul Newman still going strong

NEWS FLASH: After hearing reports of Paul Newman's death from Associated Press and CNN, I found out that acting legend Paul Newman is doing just fine, according to Joanne Woodward. In fact, he's racing around cars in Texas!

China Calling Quincy

Quincy Jones, who last month reaffirmed his stand as an advocate for human rights while maintaining his involvement with the Olympic Games in China, was interviewed this afternoon at his Beverly Hills home by China's CCTV. While continuing his Olympic Games involvement, he also renewed his appeal to the Chinese government to end its ties with the Sudanese government and end the genocide in Darfur. Jones is also being interviewed today by Insight Editions' president and publisher Raoul Goff. Quincy and Brand Marketing chose Insight Editions and Palace Publishing Group and Random House distributer for two volumes on Jones' life and works, the first edition will be out in November. Goff has already interviewed Clint Eastwood, who has written the forward to the first book. Quincy and Clint started their friendship when they were 17. Maya Angelou will write the preface, Bono writes an introduction. Also coming up, interviews with Barbra Streisand and Sidney Poitier. Jones' history will include original ledgers illustrating initial earnings, handwritten lyrics and music.

"Quincy doesn't miss a beat," says Goff, "talking about his life -- adventures, obstacles, brain surgery, etc." What about his personal life, I asked. "He is an open book," Goff reminded. But the book focuses more on his early life and career as well as his many achievements in film, tv, and philanthropy. Remember: Quincy Jones brought us "We Are the World" and has traveled the world proving it. He will donate part of the profits to one of these projects. The first book, due in October is "Quincy Jones: My Journey and Passions." The second, scheduled for September 2009 is titled "60 Years of American Music." Also coming from the publisher is a book called  "Frames" -- about George Lucas.

Whatta Wedding

While Jenna Bush was walking up the aisle at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas to wed Henry Hager, in the garden of the Beverly Hills hotel, Brett Kassan, backgrounded by the record of Barbra Streisand singing "Nothing's Going to Harm You," joined Jake Smith for their religious wedding ceremony. They said their vows under a magnificent flower-filled chupah and they were applauded by the 300-plus black-tied guests of the bride's parents Ronnie and Michael Kassan and Maxine and Gary Smith. Inside the hotel's Crystal Ballroom guests were again treated to the sight and scents of botanical gardens at each table.of the civilian and showbiz guests. The bride's father, Michael  is a world-renowned media consultant, the groom's is honored showbiz producer, Gary Smith. The bride and groom work for Conde Nast and Ogilvie respectively in New York.

Guests included Barbra Streisand and husband James Brolin. She'd known the groom, Jake Smith and his twin brother and Best Man, Zack Smith since they were -- three weeks old!, Jim Brolin had just arrived from the location of "Nailed" in which he plays the Speaker of the House. Brolin's no strarnger to the territory having played President Ronald Reagan. And now, son Josh B. is readying to star in Oliver Stone's biopic of George W. Bush. "I didn't want to play Reagan," Jim Brolin  admitted to me, adding Josh also had negative feelings about playing Bush. However Stone was able to entice him to his office where a few touches of makeup convinced him to play Bush.. "It was amazing," Brolin, pere, told me. P.S. he also said the script is strong.

Gary Smith is also completing work as producer-director on the DVD version of Barbra Streisand's cross-country 2007 concer tour. It will first air as a TV special in Nov. followed by the DVD... Guests also included several members of SHARE. Maxene Smith is the group's Chairman of the Board. Gary again produces the show (May 31 at the Santa Monica Civic with  Clint Holmes performing). Gary is also completing segs for the 11th AFI "100 movies" series, this one, "The AFI's 10 Top 10," toasting Animation, Fantasy, Romantic Comedies, Sci-Fi, Westerns, Gangsters, Sports, Courtroom Drama. Mystery and Epics -- with cohosts to match the categories. It airs June 17 on CBS and is the first big special under the AFI's Presidentcy of Bob Gazzale.   

Yes--Before Cannes

On p.75 of Variety's Cannes Film Fetival issue, and leading off the Cannes Market Listings, is a terrific half-page picture of Alfred Molina and Ido Port in a poignant scene from "The Little Traitor." It screens May 14 in Cannes. We saw it at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival premiere May 8 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. The event also celebrated Israel's 60th anniversary. What perfect timing for the film which is set during Great Britain's occupation (Mandate) in what was to become the state of Israel. It stars two incredibly emotion-tugging actors -- one is the multi-credited interrnatinal thesp Molina as the British occupying soldier. His costar is 11-year-old Israeli Port. The teaming is terrific. And portends a bright future for Port. Meanwhile, Molina, whose credits range from Tevye in B'way's "Fiddler On The Roof" to Doc Ock in "Spider-Man," arrived in Israel for "The Little Traitor" from Budapest, where he starred in TNT's "The Company" and has now just wound "An Education." He's readying to leave for Marrakesh and Disney's "Prince of Persia" with Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Mike Newell. It's based on the computer game, reports Molina, who is taking riding lessons for the live desert tscenes for the grand film, which will include live action as well as computerized scenes to be created in London

Festival director Hilary Helstein conducted a congratuatry conversation with Molina and "The Little Traitor's" producer-writer-director Lynn Roth, who told of the making of the film. And taking a bow from the audience was executive producer Marilyn (Mrs. Monty) Hall whose father, Joseph Plottel, was in the 49th Royal Fusiliers under Allenby duriong the British Mandate.. Marilyn said, "When I read Amos Oz's book, 'Panther in the Basement,' it resonated with my father's time in Palestine. I lovingly renewed the option for almost eight years."

"Panther In The Basement" became "The Little Traitor" as written by Roth.." The Beverly Hills premiere also featured a special award presentation to Theo Bikel who, over the decades, has donated his multi talents for Israel causes. He has the evidence of his contributions in a room in his home he calls, "Plaque-istan."

But What I Really Want to Do Is--

The ladies' shoe department Tuesday night on the first floor of Barney's on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills was the setting. The waiters/waitresses served Kobe-mini hamburgers, caviar canapes and champagne. The spotlight was on the ever-glamorous Heather Thomas as she signed  every last copy on hand for the launch of  her first novel, "Trophies" (Wiliam Morrow). Her eight year-old daughter India sat smiling at the autograph table alongside her, while her husband, master agent Skip Brittenham, remained inauspicious in the crowd -- he said, "I stay out of it--I didn't read it until it was finished--and I liked it."

There was plenty of shmoosing between autographing. Eveyone there was somebody--and perhaps some were also among the principal characters in "Trophies." Among those on hand you may--or may not--find recognizeable in "Trophies" were Gigi Levangie Grazer, Lynda Luna, Lisa Eisner, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Angela Janklow Stein, Sandra Moss and gentlemen including Art Luna and Jim Berkus. Lee Majors who costarred with Thomas in "Fall Guy" from 1981 to 1986 was expected.  Heather said the series could have continued, but Majors decided it was enough. Now, 22 years later and after three daughters, Heather tells  me she'd now like to return to acting--and, of course more writing. During her children's growing up period, she wrote two feature  scripts at Disney, pilots for NBC, UPN and MTV. "Trophies" is her first novel.--and it won't be her last. The leading characters, "the second wives' club", she says, "are the ones out there doing things, making thngs happen--for better or worse." Could there be more about them? Heather said she's giving a percentage of sales from the book to the Rape Foundation.

Later, down the street at Mr.Chow's on Camden Drive, Paramount's Brad Grey hosted a classy dinner party for the "Iron Man" men whose Marvel-ous movie, after only one week,  is strangleholding the boxoffice. Reps from Par, and Marvel filmakers were on hand including director Jon Favreau and  Robert Downey, Jr. fresh from the Jimmy Kimmel taping.

Ballet to Bullets

The invite reads: "In honor of Armed Forces Day, May 17, please join Patricia Kennedy for the official unveiling of 'Peace One Earth,' Benefitting Step Up 4 Vets." The charity and the event is the creation of Kennedy, previously applauded for her 20-year support of the Joffrey Ballet, for which she has been repeatedly awarded. She also received awards for her outstanding contributions to the world of dance. Now, she lauches "Step Up 4 Vets" whose aim is, "through a unique network of programs and worthy organizations, to make it possible for veterans to return to family, communty and civilian life with the secure knowledge that they are not alone and will never be forgotten. Our respect for their service and sacrifice is in our commitment to thei fuure."

The kickoff event May 17 at her residence, Beverly Hills La Villa Paradiso launches at 5:30 p.m. when the Condor Squadron executes the "Missing Man" formation, piloting seven WWII vintage AT-6/SNJs flying directly over Kennedy's gardens at La Villa Paradiso. Info on "Peace One Earth," "Step Up 4 Vets" and commemorative medallions ($49-$2,500) are available on WWW.LAVILLAPARADISO.COM.

The showbiz and Westside community has also known Patricia Kennedy as Lee Iacocca's longtime (seven years) "ex-fiancee." She describes it as "a love story that didn't have a future." But she is planning a successful future for "Step Up 4 Vets" and "Peace One Earth."

Another salvo on Armed Forces Day

A "Human Cannonball" will help launch the new "Simpsons" ride at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 17. The 20th Fox TV addition to Universal's universe follows other studios' conversion of film-to-rides -- "Terminator 2: 3D," ""Men In Black" and "Spider-man." The "Simpsons" Ride is a collaboration between creator Matt Groening, exec producers James L. Brooks and Al Jean of Gracie Films, and Universal Parks -- and the "Simpsons" cast including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer. The "Simpsons" ride is set in the Krustyland theme park. Sample of the ride to come: we are greeted at the entrance by walking up the tongue of Krusty, a 32-foot tall clown. Can you taste the fun that awaits!

Pinchhitter hits a Homer

I couldn't believe it when, on the eve of  the 71st Anniversary Concert Spectacular  of  California's  Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra, Producer- conductor Gary  S. Greene phoned  to give me the news -- one of the principals in the concert's "Annual Celebrity Battle of the Batons" -- Tommy Lasorda -- would not be able to "perform" at the Shrine Auditorium, Sunday. He was hospitalized. I have been hosting the "Battle" for 12 years and the tradition of having a celeb at the podium was started by the orchestra's founder, Dr. Ernst Katz 70 years ago (he's 94!).  A parade of celebs has continued to take up the baton.

Then the news -- pinchhitting for Tommy Lasorda would be Louis Brown Johnson -- better known to true Dodger fans as "Sweet Lou". He was the hero of the 1965 World Series, hitting two homers including the winning run in game seven that made the Dodgers World Champions.  He has been with the Dodger organization since 1981.

"Sweet Lou" brought down the house! He not only conducted the  orchestra in  a few bars of Beethoven's 5th, but changed "uniforms" donnng a Dodgers shirt, using a baseball bat as a baton and led the 115-piece orchestra in "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," the song celebrating its 100th birthday, with the crowd in the auditorium chorusing the song as he baton'd. "Sweeet Lou" won the golden baton as "voted" by the audience's reaction, out-applauding fellow and equally-enthusiastic batoneers,  Jackie Zeman, Timothy Bottoms, Stacy Keach and Judy Tenuta. 

The audience cheered the symphony orchestra's program repeatedly under the leadership of Gary Greene in number after number by Rimsky-Korsakov,  Tchaikowsky, a solo by Tamara Gyulnazarova and VIctoria Gordon and a reading by June Lockhart. Debra Marisa  Greene  was  producer,  Lori Gordon,  gala Coordinator and Wink Martindale again m.c'd. At the finale, the Shrine audience marched out  to John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."       

Sidney's Life and Beyond

"I am a very private person -- and I have always been," Sidney Poitier said to me at the end of a lengthy conversation -- much like the delightfully lengthy and philosophical talks I've had with him over the past 40-or-so-years. This time, I wanted to congratulate him on his latest -- not his last! -- book, "Life Beyond Measure -- Letters to my Great Granddaughter (Ayele)" (Harper One). He pre-taped his "Good Morning America" interview as well as the one with Larry King. And that's all. He reminds, "I'm a very private person" -- even though he reveals the real Sidney Poitier whenever he writes a book. And like he said, "I don't consider this my last book.

While Poitier indicates he will always be interested in writing, he reminds that he is long "retired" as an actor even though he thoroughly enjoyed his last two outings in TV, especially "The Last Brickmaker in America." He also retired from international public life, giving up his ambassadorial posts, during which he was appointed to Japan and Mexico by the Bahamas. But he plans extensive world travel on his own.

He reminds that he is constantly concerned with the way we treat our planet. "Human survival depends on it. It is the only planet there is," he emphasized. "It is not politicians' responsibilities," he said, "very few people think what the world will or will not be in generations and generations to come. And if we are not up to the challenge -- we, too, like the dinosaurs, will disappear." At 81, Poitier's reflections on his past ring forcefully with his challenges for next generation(s) to heed.

This Makes Scents

How come Brett Ratner, director of multi-million-dollar features, agreed to judge a festival containing only two-to-three minute films? The event is the first annual Fragrance and Film Festival, presented by Vogue and the Fragrance Foundation. When I learned that the movies must be inspired by one of the Foundation's 2008-nominated fragrances, I had to ask Ratner what made scents to him -- excuse it.

Ratner enthusiastically told me his reason to further the film and fragrance association and competition. It was because of Mike Todd, Jr.'s 1960 "Scent Of Mystery" in which various scents were wafted through the theater to jibe with the action on the screen -- roses perfumed a garden scene, the unmistakable smell of fish filled a scene at the beach or at sea, etc. The system was dubbed, "Smell-O-Vision." And it wasn't long before sharp-tongued critics sneezingly called it "a stinker." But Ratner said he was impressed by the innovative filmmaking and moreso when in 1981 John Waters made "Polyester" and released it with his "Odorama" system whereby audience members could compound the visual by scratching and sniffing hand-held cards. And filmwise Ratner also reminded me that scents were sprayed by fans in theaters in the pre-sound, "silents" days. "I like the idea (of the scented cinema)," enthused Ratner. "Maybe we'll have some in theaters again?"

Ratner is joined in judging by fashion documaker Doug Keeve, music video's Chris Robinson, and "Monster's Ball" producer Lee Daniels. After this (pleasant) judging chore winds down, he continues working with Brian Grazer on the Hugh Hefner biopic covering Hef's initial 1955-75 era, and the beginnings of his era of sweet scents of success. "It's such a great story," said Ratner. He takes a brief break May 13-15 in Israel to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Ratner proudly said he's been invited there by President Shimon Peres.

I Went To The Beach

It was great weather for the beach--Newport Beach--and its ninth annual film festival. Mayor Edward Selich welcomed the audience at the SRO Edwards Big Newport Theater and then announced "On behalf of the entire Newport Beach City Council,  I do hereby proclaim that April 24, 2008, be known as 'Army Archerd Day.'"  This touching honor noted my 55th anniversary at Variety. My paper is (again) a sponsor of the festival and has a hospitality shoppe open among the elite stores on Fahion Island throughout the festival.

After longtime festival director Gregg Schwenk's introductory remarks, the fest got underway with the exceptional "Sherman's Way," which boasts having been filmed in seven major locations including New York City--all in 17 days and on a $300,000 budget. Distribs are talking. After the screening the first niters segued over to Fashion Island where the giant courtyard outside Nieman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and the dozens of boutiques were surrounded by  tents-ful of food and drink--sparked also by a fashion show and music into the night. It was a gala's gala. 

The next day, thousands of fans turned out in the morning--to view the start of the  Newport to Ensenada race. We watched the boats majestically set sail--from a spectacular viewpoint while lunching in the exclusive restauntant of the about-to-open Pelican Point development.  Among those in the race--again this year --was Roy E. Disney. He will be back  in Newport Beach to appear Wednesday at the festival with  Don Hahn in a program of rarely seen Disney animated shorts and experimental films. Joining them will be  David Bossert who was the producer of "Walt Disney On the Front Lines," a DVD compilation of Disney films made during WWII. And in case you wondered about Roy E..Disney's boat, Pyewacket--its 2003 record still stands.

In the afternoon it was time to see the first two hours of "Hollywood Singing and Dancing," a spectacular17 hour piece chronicling the great musicals from their beginning to--hopefully-- one more next year.

Friday evening in the Palm Garden of the magnificent Island Hotel, Gregg Schwenk introduced longtime festival supporter-champion Leigh Steinberg, whose sportswise career may have helped legitimize the film, "Jerry Maguire." He introduced Richard Sherman who delighted the festgoers with a generous concert highlighting the incomparable Richard and Robert Sherman career. He reeled off the lyrics with his own pianistics on their award-winning (Including Oscar) songs of the many Disney films and B'way and London shows. He made it seem so effortless and the showbiz-wise audience  devoured each tune--the most popular of them all remains "It's A Small World." Sherman was later joined on stage for an additional, informational chat with  author-Disney expert,  Jeff Kurtti. Next for Richard Sherman is a ditto appearance for the Pixar company this weekend. Then, a teaming with Mit Larsen on the musical "Pazzazz" which bows at Santa Barbara's Granada theater April 20-22. An  added plus for the glamorous Island hotel is the arrival of its Executive Chef Bill Bracken--well-known to the show-biz communty in Beverly Hills where he formerly held fort at the Peninsula hotel.

On Saturday mornng at the Regency Lido Theater, a screening of the perfectly-restored print of "Red River" was preceded by a Q&A by Box Office Mojo's Scott Holleran with yours truly. We talked about the film, Howard Hawks' masterpiece, the superb acting of John Wayne in an offbeat role, and the auspicious arrival on the scene of Montgomer Clift, also the great contribution of cinematographer Russell Harlan, the moving music of Dimitri Tiomkin. We also talked about the disappearance of the western--and its great stars. The festival continues with a full  day and night program with films from around the world--seen in a perfect setting--the gracious city of Newport Beach,California.