LAW AND ORDER SVU GREAT STAR GUESTS

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry.

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Morgan Fairchild

BEDTIME --- Last week “Law & Order/SUV” episode featured some unusual casting choices; Susan Anton; Ann-Margret; Morgan Fairchild; and, Jacklyn Smith. It wasn't the best SUV story ever, but watching these actresses literally chew the scenery was a guilty pleasure. Margret just clawed her way through hers. Interestingly enough, this particular piece of the Law& Order juggernaut has often featured so-called “stunt” casting; Jerry Lewis; Carole Burnett; Robin Williams … it’s great watching these famous faces in the show … especially when it’s a good show, like the one with Williams was.

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Liza Minnelli

TRIBECA TALKS – This year’s Tribeca Film Festival which officially kicks off on April 21 (and, continues through to May 2) has, as always, some fascinating subjects: A new film by Edward Burns and another by Christy Turlington Burns, his wife. The films won't be competing against each other. Mr. Burns’s film “Nice Guy Johnny,” is a dramedy about a young man and his uncle, and Turlington-Burns’s documentary, “No woman, No Cry,” tells stories of childbirth from around the world. Also, “Last Play At Shea,” a documentary about Billy Joel and his shows at during the final days of Shea Stadium; “My trip to Al Qaeda,” a documentary by Alex Gibney (“Taxi to the Dark Side”), based on Lawrence Wright’s one-man play of the same name; and, “Visionaries,” a documentary by Chuck workman on the history of avant-garde cinema. Also, and of much interest from many, two films touching on fashion will be there; “Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston,” brings together a star-cast to reminisce about the legendary designer and first celebrity designer. Angelica Huston, Liza Minelli, Andre Leon Talley, Diane Von Furstenberg, Billy Joel, Ralph Rucci, and others are interviewed. The film is narrated by Matt Tyrnauer, director of “Valentino: The Last Emperor.” And, “Vidal Sassoon: The Movie,” remembers the revolutionary hair stylist and the designs he pioneered in the 1960s. Sassoon not only created the look of the era, but invented the idea of wash-and-wear hair styles that didn’t require salon styling maintenance. He also was among the first to charge in the eighty-dollar range for a haircut. Wow! The Tribeca Fest, which began in 2002, and is helmed by Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, is always a terrific event. This year’s opening film, “Shrek 3” … in 3D.

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Mickey Dolenz

GIGATONE SONY MEET --- We just heard that the long-awaited Carole King-tribute album from Monkee-Micky Dolenz (entitled “King For A Day”) … will be coming out through Gigatone/Sony Records. We've only been treated to a few songs from this epic work, but we can tell you, if you're a fan of King’s, and like music (Carole King-like) … this album will be for you. There’s also a host of special appearances; some great surprises. More on this as it develops.

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Nicollette Sheridan

DESPERATE CHERRY --- Don't know what to make of this 20-million dollar lawsuit via Desperate Housewives Nicollette Sheridan and creator Mark Cherry, for assault and battery, gender violence, and wrongful termination. Serious and sound charges for sure, but to have waited all this time (it apparently happened on September 24, 2008) seems a bit odd. Cherry is denying the charges and insiders say that what happened is being grossly exaggerated. Apparently he did hit her, but only in regards to a scene that he felt she wasn't playing correctly. “He was showing her on set how it should be played,” says the insider. “Ninety people on the set know what happened.” Well, look at it this way: it’s not another cheating husband … or, wife. I wonder if the tape of the incident exists … trust me: it'll be settled out of court. If nothing else, it smells like a bit of PR for the fast-fading show. We'll see.
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Richard Belzer

TOXIE RETURNS --- From Deadline Hollywood: In the mid-1980s a mini-movie mogul named Lloyd Kaufman (with Michael Herz) developed the story of “The Toxic Avenger.” It revolved round a mild-mannered, mop boy at a gym, Melvin, whose trusting and shy manner made his easy prey for thugs who broke into the gym and somehow got him immersed in a vat of toxic waste. The radioactive mixture turned him into The Toxic Avenger; righting wrongs in a world gone astray. There're been several movies (actually, the first in 1984 was a terrific surprise); numerous comic books; and, a play. This new movie will re-focus TA’s works into a green-superhero for these environmentally conscious times. Always great fun, Troma Studios, located right here in NYC on 8th Avenue, also turned out such unforgettable epics as “Surf Nazis Must Die,” “Rabid Grannies,” and “Stuff Stephanie in the Incinerator.” Kaufman is sort of a Joe Franklin and Richard Belzer turned into one. He is, unforgettable.

Photos By: RD/Gershoff/Smith/Sara De Boer/Walter McBride/Retna Digital