Reeve to direct film about paraplegic
Christopher Reeve is truly SUPERMAN! Completely immobile, confined to a wheelchair and his bed, his spirit is undaunted. The exciting news is Chris will co-produce and direct a movie for A&E about Brooke Ellison, an 11-year-old girl who became a paraplegic and then went on to great achievements, thanks to the help of her family. It’s based on the book “Miracles Do Happen: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey.” No casting at this writing. The film will shoot in New Orleans.
Jodie Foster hasn’t made a movie in some time, but now she’s set to start filming “Flight Plan” for Touchstone Pics. It’s a thriller a la Alfred Hitchcock about a woman whose daughter mysteriously disappears while aboard a passenger jet. In real life, Jodie continues to enjoy motherhood with her two beautiful little boys, and I always love it when we meet in the aisle of Gelson’s grocery in West Hollywood.
The Awards Continue: Jack Nicholson, Sean and Robin Wright Penn, and Holly Hunter honored at the Cine-Vegas Film Festival; Charlize Theron by Convenant House for her “outstanding contributions to the lives of at-risk and homeless youngsters”; Gwyneth Paltrow and mom, Blythe Danner, receive the Women in Film Crystal and Lucy Awards for “their illustrious careers and strong commitment to the arts, education and public service.”
Didya Know?
•For several years Mickey Rooney was the No. 1 movie star in the world, and the industry’s biggest moneymaker — he bumped Shirley Temple from the No. 1 spot!
•And the roaring lion that has been the MGM logo for many, many years made its debut with the film “White Shadows in the South Seas” in 1928.
•AND that MGM was the first studio to use rock music on a film sound track? It was on the track of “The Blackboard Jungle” in 1955. Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock” was featured in the film and became a big radio hit, paving the way for rock on soundtracks.
•Aside to Gloria E. of Los Angeles. As to your question, “Do you think Robert Blake is guilty?” Heavens … I can’t begin to answer that one. I don’t know the true circumstances. I only know what I hear, see on the telly and read about the case. I do not know Robert personally, so I can’t second-guess his personality. Nor have I ever met him professionally. We’ll just have to await the trial and let the jury decide — guilty or innocent?
Bits ‘N’ Pieces
•Since becoming the wife of a governor, Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger has added to her dark tresses some blond streaks, and she’s looking quite glamorous.
•Yup. That was Julianne Moore spinning around on a ride at Legoland with her 6-year-old son, Cal.
•Aside to Pepe G. of Costa Mesa, Calif. Yes. Robert Downey Jr. was once married to Deborah Falconer. They’re separated, but remain friendly.
•And friends are wondering if Keanu Reeves and g.f. Autumn Macintosh will wed.
•Drew Barrymore looking slim, trim and even more beautiful after knocking off several pounds.
•That purse on the arm of Beyonce is a Valentino. Price tag: $1,245. Ah well, the joy of riches.
•Come autumn, the Olsen twins move to Manhattan to become college students.Aside to Lily U. of Urbana, Ill. George Clooney was once married to Talia Shire. I thought all his fans knew that.Angelina Jolie has 13 tattoos. Don’t ask me where, because that I don’t know.