Julianne Moore and Dominic West give excellent performances in "The Forgotten," as grieving parents who realize that "someone" or "something" is trying to make them forget their dead children.  

Mildly Forgettable "The Forgotten"

Producers and directors should celebrate the presence of Julianne Moore in their films -- Moore will make anything, even the deplorable Revlon "movie-style" theater and television ads, seem amazing.

Unforgettable is a cleverly concocted thriller about a woman who slowly realizes that things are being taken away from her. It starts small, with her parking space, her coffee and moves to larger things, like the memory of her dead son, Sam. Sam, as Telly Paretta (Moore) insists to those around her, was killed, along with six other children, in a tragic plane crash 14 months prior. She's seeing a therapist (Gary Sinese) to help her with her grief. Suddenly though, she finds out that she's seeing him, because, as he and her husband (Anthony Edwards), insist she's delusional -- they've never had a son.

As expected, Telly feels she's being gaslighted. Soon, she and her one comarade, Ash Correll (Dominic West, playing the father of another victim, a girl named Lauren), are being chased by the NSA. Brits West and Linus Roache (as a mysterious man who seems to have something to do with the "conspiracy") do a commendable job as Americans.

The thrills and special effects work in this film, as do the performances -- everyone here is very good. However, the story is very M. Night Shymalamadingdong. There's a strong build up to one umbrella, conclusive reason and it doesn't feel entirely satisfying. It's completely enjoyable during the viewing. Moore captivates. But upon leaving the theater, and reflecting, it ultimately is more forgettable than not.

Lucy Davis, Kate Ashfield, Dylan Moran, Simon Pegg, Penelope Wilton and Nick Frost in Rogue Pictures' Shaun of the Dead - 2004 

No Pawn of the Dead: Shaun of the Dead

The Americans don't have the monopoly on satire, as "Shaun of the Dead" proves. Set in suburban London, the film chronicles the dreary life of salesman Shaun (Simon Pegg), who shares a two-story flat with two of his mates. One, Ed (Nick Frost), has been a chum since elementary school. Overweight, unemployed, smelly, but still charismatic, Ed does little to contribute to the expenses and he encourages Shaun in their nightly debauches at the local, Winchester Pub. Shaun and Ed are so self-involved that not only does Shaun's girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) break up with him, but the guys are completely oblivious to the viral carnage surrounding them, as their neighbors (and even Shaun's stepfather, played by Bill Nighy) begin to turn into human devouring zombies.

But the sudden influx of terror spurs Shaun into a kind of (often misplaced) heroism, and he sets out to save Ed and Liz, as well as his parents. He's determined to end up in a safe, familiar place (the Winchester Pub, natch) and they battle the tenacious undead in their plight to get there.

The film is full of witty, unceremoniously delivered lines, and wry observations that span the cultural wave. Meaning, even if the humor is steeped heavily in British lingo or habits, it's recognizable and funny. There are fairly gruesome moments and portrayals, but there are also some very touching moments, too. Pegg delivers a fine performance -- and he's in nearly every scene. There are quick cameos of recognizable Brit character actors, including "Shaun" star Lucy Davis' crush from the BBC TV hit "The Office," Martin Freeman (who plays Tim Canterbury to Davis' Dawn on "The Office"). Definitely worth seeing for a solid laugh.

A must-see: Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry (2004) A documentary on Senator John Kerry's Navy tour of duty in Vietnam, his contributions to the peace movement that followed, and the ultimate shape of his future political career.Opens today. If you can't catch it (it's in limited release), it'll be available on DVD October 15, 2004. 

Vote, Vote, Vote; Halloween TV, Fashion & More

Vote Info: How to register and find out where you should go to vote: In LA call 562 462 2748 and In California: 916 653 6814

Studying Akademics: 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com), announced they have been hired as agency of record for Akademiks JeaniusLevelProducts, which include Stadium Division (active), akdmks ladies, Akademiks Kids, and PRPS, their men's premium denim line. The Akademiks brands are regularly seen on celebrities. 5W Public Relations will manage corporate communication, product & editorial placement and celebrity branding for all Akademiks brands.

Get Wired: Viewers can catch up on the third season of HBO's drama series THE WIRE Friday, October 1, 2004. HBO presents the first two episodes back-to-back (8:30-10:30 p.m. ET/PT). The third episode of THE WIRE, entitled "Dead Soldiers," debuts next Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 9 p.m. This episode includes a tribute to the show's late executive producer Robert F. Colesberry, who in addition to his producing and directing duties, played the character of Det. Ray Cole on the show. Det. Jay Landsman's eulogy for Cole in "Dead Soldiers" includes references to Colesberry's life and work.


Halloween Tales on Travel Channel: Starting Sunday, October 24, 2004 WEIRD TRAVELS fills the week with its ghost-laden locales, spine-chilling lore, strange phenomena and haunted tales every night at 8 PM (ET/PT). Premiere programs include AMERICA’S MOST HAUNTED PLACES: SAVANNAH, Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT); HAUNTED CAMPUSES, Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT); NEW MEXICO’S VISITORS, Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and SPIRITS OF THE SOUTH, Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). Other special programming includes BEYOND BOSTON, Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), LORETTA LYNN’S HAUNTED PLANTATION, Monday, October 25, 2004 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and CHICAGO HAUNTS, Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

In AMERICA’S MOST HAUNTED PLACES: SAVANNAH, viewers will hear from the staff and visitors of Old Fort Jackson, the oldest standing fort in Georgia, and later, of encounters with Captain Flint, who locals say still haunts the world famous Pirates' House restaurant. Then, it's off to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace museum in search of the ghosts of two former owners.

The college tour in HAUNTED CAMPUSES begins at one of America's most fabled universities, Notre Dame, where the divine design of the campus acts as a portal to the other world. In the quiet mountains of Western New England, a scandalous affair between a professor and the school's founder continues in the afterlife. At Illinois State University, even the most studious students avoid the library late at night. And later, viewers will learn about the seedy past of Sarasota’s Ringling School of Art and Design and why the attic to a Keene State College dorm room has been sealed off for years.

Then, from the mystical blood-red mountains, to the spirits that roam the ancient city streets, NEW MEXICO’S VISITORS explores the “Land of Enchantment.” The program kicks off in Old Town Albuquerque, where a demonic hatchet lady chases lovers walking the quiet streets. Across town at the KiMo theatre, a tragic accident has left a mischievous young spirit greeting theatergoers. Outside of the city, in the solitary mountains of Kingston, a one-armed man still roams the grounds of the charming Black Range Lodge. And at the Loretto Chapel, an unknown visitor left a miraculous spiral staircase and a mystery in his wake. Next door, at the luxurious Inn and Spa at Loretto, a group of nuns have formed a ghostly choir, echoing their prayers in the dead of night.

SPIRITS OF THE SOUTH begins in Memphis, Tennessee, where an ancient Egyptian curse still casts a spell on the city, and a modern-day pyramid marks a portal into the paranormal. Next, it’s off to the hills of western North Carolina to the Graystone Cabins, where creatures from another world still lurk around every tree, and a sordid love triangle leaves a ghost wandering the forests. Then, it’s down to the Big Easy for a stop at Brennan's restaurant, a visit at the Hotel Monteleone and a quick tour of an old-fashioned steamboat, whose captain was murdered. The special ends in Savannah, Georgia where the night sky hums with the echoes of the dead from the famed St. Bonaventure Cemetery and the 1790 Inn.

New and Noteworthy from Borders: For October: The Dark Tower is the seventh and final installment in Stephen King's epic series of the same name. Gunslinger Roland Deschain approaches his ultimate goal, even as his enemies grow more determined to stop him. King augments the suspense and storytelling twists he's famous for with deeper reflections on time, space, and free will to create a robust coda to this important work of fantasy. Get to know more about the series and its place in King's oeuvre in our interview with the author.

Both Michael Moore and his main target in Fahrenheit 9/11 (available 10/5), President George W. Bush, are lightning rods for strong feelings. Controversial since before its release, this film—which far surpassed the record box-office tally for Moore's own Bowling for Columbine—airs the filmmaker's grievances with Bush, his administration, and the war in Iraq. The DVD features numerous extras, and its release coincides with that of Moore's newest book, Will They Ever Trust Us Again?: Letters from the War Zone.

Since Lemony Snicket began recounting the dismal details in the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, he has urged children to choose happier books. But for some reason, they keep flocking to his Series of Unfortunate Events, and now Book the Eleventh, The Grim Grotto is available. Read our interview with the inimitable Snicket, in which he compares his childhood to the plight of a misplaced anemone.

As we enter the final weeks of a hard-fought presidential campaign, we'd like to draw your attention to the season's biggest political releases. Ann Coulter's How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must) (available October 5) might be just the right thing to get your blood running as the campaign winds down. If your taste leans more to the left, Chain of Command by Seymour M. Hersh, the reporter who broke the story of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, offers a critical view of the Bush administration's policy in Iraq. And if you'd like a reprieve from the rhetoric, you might try the equal-opportunity satire of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents: America (The Book), a mock textbook filled with the same kind of brainy, broad humor that fans of the Comedy Central series have come to expect. Finally, if you want to learn more before you pull the lever (or punch the chad or fill in the box), we have some lists to help you bone up on the candidates, the issues, and presidential history.

Fiction

The sultry, seductive vampire hunter Anita Blake raises eyebrows as easily as she does the dead. Cerulean Sins, the 11th Blake adventure by Laurell K. Hamilton, recently came out in paperback, and the 12th book, Incubus Dreams, is available now. Blake's loyalties and energies are put to the test when a vampire serial killer begins victimizing toothsome strippers. Read an excerpt from this steamy novel of suspense and the supernatural.

More New Hardcover Fiction
Shopaholic & Sister by Sophie Kinsella
Interview with Sophie Kinsella
The System of the World by Neal Stephenson
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Darling by Russell Banks (available 10/1)
The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble (available 10/4)
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth (available 10/5)
Double Homicide: Santa Fe by Jonathan Kellerman and Faye Kellerman (available 10/5)

Non-Fiction

Just as he did in his previous memoirs, Running with Scissors and Dry, Augusten Burroughs proves with Magical Thinking that the ordinary can be unusual, especially when seen through his eyes. These painfully funny true stories reach back to young Augusten's appearance in a Tang commercial, through his very adult misadventures in New York City, and up to his current existence as—he'd have you know—a New York Times bestselling author. Read our interview with Burroughs.

More New Hardcover Nonfiction
Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way by John Paul II
In the Shadow of No Towers by Art Spiegelman
Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston
Dick: The Man Who Is President by John Nichols
Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans
Speak Out Against John Kerry by John E. O'Neill and Jerome R. Corsi
Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return by Marjane Satrapi
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts
by Julian Rubinstein

From MoveOn.org: On Friday, an exciting new movie hits theaters -- one that has the power to change the way we see John Kerry forever. Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry is a beautiful and inspiring portrait of Kerry and Vietnam, but it's bigger than that: it's a gripping, powerful film about how our country wrestles with war. It's vivid without being confrontational -- a political movie you can bring your Republican uncle to -- and it has received great reviews from some of the nation's top film critics. You've got to see it.

You can check out the trailer online at:

http://www.goingupriver.com/trailer_main.html

Then, if you live near one of the theaters where the film is opening this weekend, please bring your friends and family

http://www.goingupriver.com/john_kerry_theater_list.html

Two months ago, we brought our friends and family members to theaters across the country and helped make Fahrenheit 9/11 the most successful documentary of all time. Fahrenheit 9/11 laid out the Bush administration's flaws and failings in a way that fundamentally changed how many Americans see President Bush.

Going Upriver doesn't have the controversy and marketing muscle behind it that Fahrenheit 9/11 did. But everyone we know who's seen it has been moved and surprised by its power. It's a word-of-mouth phenomenon waiting to happen, but it's up to us, together, to make it a success when it first hits theaters this Friday.

Critical acclaim for Going Upriver includes the praise from Time Magazine, The New York Times, and Entertainment Weekly, which gave the film an "A" and said:

"This potent and eye-opening documentary shows us what the media has presented only in fragmentary glimpses: a compelling, blow-by-blow account of John Kerry's service in Vietnam -- and, more than that, the full revealing chronicle of how he ultimately came together with hundreds of his comrades to form Vietnam Veterans Against the War."...

"[P]art of what makes Going Upriver so moving is the tremulous sight of how close these protesters felt to all the soldiers still at war...Anyone who sees Going Upriver will find it hard to argue that what happened close to 35 years ago no longer matters in America today."[1]

The Bush campaign has tried to make voters believe that John Kerry doesn't have what it takes to defend America.

But the John Kerry we know has tremendous heart and determination. As Going Upriver affirms, Kerry not only bravely risked his life serving on Swift Boats in Vietnam, but, upon his return to America, he refused to abandon the men still fighting. Despite vicious personal attacks, John Kerry courageously spoke out to end a war he knew was wrong.

That's the kind of leadership we want in our president.

Make your plans to see this movie now, and round up any friends and family who could use a little inspiration. This film delivers plenty.

Sincerely,

--Adam, Eli, Hannah, James, Laura, and the whole MoveOn PAC Team
September 29, 2004

P.S. The DVD of Going Upriver comes out on October 15th. If you can't make it to see the film in theaters, you can pre-order a DVD online at:

http://www.goingupriver.com/

Footnotes:
[1] Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry, Entertainment Weekly, Sept. 28, 2004, http://www.ew.com/ew/article/review/movie/0,6115,700810_1_0_,00.html

Who’s Wearing What: Fashion designer Nicole Miller dressed actress Golden Brooks for the 2004 BET Comedy Awards. Brooks won “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Girlfriends.” Brooks accepted her award in a fatigue strapless gown with antique beading.

Riddick: Vin Diesel is back as Riddick in The Chronicles of Riddick, coming to DVD and VHS on November 16, 2004. Available in an exclusive Unrated Director's Cut version features 14 additional minutes of footage not seen in theaters, the extended film includes a new character and never-before-seen visual effects. Additionally, video game fans can place the DVD in their Xbox® console and play the first level of the acclaimed The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay game from Vivendi Universal Games. From writer-director David Twohy, the film continues the story of escaped convict Riddick, who through incredible battles in fantastic and dangerous worlds, emerges as the most unlikely of heroes in a fight for survival that will determine the fate of humanity. The Unrated Director's Cut version of The Chronicles of Riddick DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP ($22.98 for VHS). The PG-13 theatrical version is also available to own. Pre-order close date is October 5, 2004 for the DVD and October 19, 2004 for the VHS.

Joining Diesel is Alexa Davalos (HBO's And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself); Thandie Newton (Mission: Impossible II); Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Return of the King); Colm Feore (Chicago, The Sum of All Fears) Academy Award® winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love, Chocolat), and Keith David, reprising his Pitch Black role as Imam.

The Chronicles of Riddick DVD includes special features that showcase the film's action and visual effects:

Riddick's Worlds

Vin Diesel takes you on a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Riddick sets
Interactive 360 view of eight different sets from the film

Play The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay Xbox Game!

Put this DVD into your Xbox console and play the first level of the stunning The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay game from Vivendi Universal Games.

Virtual Guide to The Chronicles of Riddick

An interactive guide that immerses the viewer in The Chronicles of Riddick from the perspectives of the characters

Riddick Insider Facts on Demand

Scene specific background facts and trivia on the characters, planetary guides and more behind-the-story information are displayed on-screen in real time as you watch the movie!

Visual Effects Revealed

A play-by-play breakdown of the most complex and compelling visual effects in The Chronicles of Riddick

Toombs' Chase Log

Track the hunt for Riddick from bounty-hunter "Toombs'" perspective and follow the action leading up to the opening scene of the movie

In addition to the aforementioned bonus features, The Chronicles of Riddick Unrated Director's Cut DVD also includes:

Deleted Scenes - to further extend the Riddick experiences, in addition to the extended film, the Director's Cut DVD will also feature five minutes of never-before-seen deleted scenes.

Audio commentary with writer/director David Twohy and actors Karl Urban and Alexa Davalos

SYNOPSIS

After spending five years outrunning ruthless bounty hunters, escaped convict Riddick (Vin Diesel) finds himself between opposing forces in a fight for the future of the human race. Aided by the mysterious Aereon (Judi Dench), who helps him unearth the secrets of his past, Riddick emerges as a reluctant hero in the fight against the evil Lord Marshal (Colm Feore) and his army led by young commander Vaako (Karl Urban) and his beautiful, power-hungry wife (Thandie Newton). Exiled to a subterranean prison, Riddick encounters Kyra (Alexa Davalos), the lone survivor from an earlier chapter in his life. Riddick's efforts to free himself and Kyra lead them to the enemy command ship where he wages a battle that will determine the fate of the universe.

CAST & FILMMAKERS
Writer-Director: David Twohy
Based on Characters by: Jim & Ken Wheat
Producers: Scott Kroopf, Vin Diesel
Executive Producers: Ted Field, George Zakk, David Womark
Co-Executive Producer: Tom Engelman
Director of Photography: Hugh Johnson
Production Designer: Holger Gross
Editor: Martin Hunter, Dennis Virkler
Costume Designer: Ellen Mirojnick, Michael Dennison
Makeup Artist: Michael Krehl
Cast: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roache, Yorick van Wageningen, Nick Chinlund and Judi Dench.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD
Street Date: November 16, 2004
Pre-Order Date: October 5, 2004
Copyright: 2004 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98 SRP ($19.95 MAP) For more information go to www.thechroniclesofriddick.com

Da Nang: DA-NANG IS PROUD TO PRESENT THEIR 2005 SPRING COLLECTION OCTOBER 29TH, 2004 7 p.m. SMASHBOX STUDIOS STAGE 1 CULVER CITY, CA

He’s a Lady: Episode 1, Tuesday, October 12 , 4004 10 p.m. (ET/PT) TBS presents the new reality series HE'S A LADY, premiering Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). HE'S A LADY, from Evolution Film & Tape, Inc. (Switched!, Bands Reunited) and Full Circle Entertainment (The Club), takes 11 men on a wild adventure as they walk a mile in their wives or girlfriends' shoes by undergoing a complete feminine makeover. The series is hosted by Tony Frassrand (House Detective) and is a quest for a quarter-million dollars.

The first episode opens as 11 unsuspecting men and their wives or girlfriends congregate for a show entitled All American Man. With their game faces on, Frassrand shows them exactly what a quarter-million dollars looks like. He then takes the wives and girlfriends aside to tell them the twist of a lifetime, before revealing it to each man individually. The 11 men must decide to take the challenge of competing as ladies or go home empty-handed.

After the women are sent home, a team of Hollywood's best special-effects professionals transforms the men into ladies, including full-body waxing, manicures, wig fittings, make-up and wardrobe. Next, the guys are introduced to the celebrity panel who will preside over the elimination ceremonies: Morgan Fairchild (The Seduction), John Salley (The Best Damn Sports Show Period) and Debbie Matenopoulos (Good Day Live). The guys must show off their new feminine alter egos to the judges, after which four contestants are immediately eliminated.

RuPaul Update: RuPaul RED HOT, his first album in five years, released September 21, 2004 with an in-store CD signing at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square which included a RuPaul Look-Alike Contest. Ru co-hosts a morning drive show on WNEW 102.7 hin New York. RuPaul is supporting Rock The Vote and will be embarking on a national tour this fall in support of RuPaul RED HOT . On September 20, 2004, he appeared as a presenter at the Dance Music Hall of Fame show, and performed in Hair on Broadway as a benefit performance for the Actor's Fund. RuPaul Red Hot was been the most downloaded dance album on iTunes for close to a month, since it debuted there, and the song Looking Good Feeling Gorgeous was recently featured on Queer Eye For the Straight Guy and will be used in the upcoming feature film, The Look. Upcoming Video-release party for Ru's new Looking Good Feeling Gorgeous video, which is a parody of the Swan meets Extreme Makeover, likely to be held at the Madame Tussaud museum here in New York.

Costner and Baumgartner Flute: Toasting Flutes For their first toast as husband and wife, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner celebrated with Swarovski’s Crystalline toasting flutes - champagne flutes with loose crystals sparkling in the stems.

At the Circus, one of the films available on DVD from Universal in the box set due out in November. 

The Marx Brothers on DVD from Universal in November. A must for any DVD library. 

Marx Brothers on DVD! Must-Have!

Marx Brothers on DVD: In celebration of 75 years of the funniest siblings ever to grace the silver screen, Universal Studios Home Video releases The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection on November 9, 2004. This boxed set includess the first five films made by Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo − and the only films to star all four brothers together. In addition to the classic full-length features The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers and Duck Soup, The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection also boasts a bonus disc containing rare archival telecasts from the "Today" show with Groucho and Harpo Marx. Also included is a spectacular 40-page collectible booklet. The DVD is priced at $59.98 SRP. Pre-order close is October 5, 2004 for the DVD.

The American Film Institute included five Marx Brothers films on its list of America's 100 Greatest Comedies. Duck Soup, probably the quartet's best-known film, was ranked No. 5 on the comedy list and also earned a spot on AFI's 100 Best Films of all time.

Two rare telecast segments from the archives of the "Today" show are contained on a bonus disc. One features Harpo Marx in an interview. The other offers a fascinating anecdote from Groucho Marx about working with a bit player who got the part solely on her distinctive walk - Marilyn Monroe.

Synopses

The Cocoanuts
Adapted from the Marx Brothers' second Broadway hit, The Cocoanuts was the boys' first feature film. Groucho portrays a hotel owner out to fleece everyone, from innocent bellboys to wealthy society matron Mrs. Potter (Margaret Dumont). Chico and Harpo play resort con men, (a fact Groucho recognizes instantly when their suitcase pops open − empty). When Mrs. Potter discovers her priceless jewels are missing, Chico and Harpo spring into action to exonerate the falsely accused bell clerk (Oscar Shaw), find the jewels and nab the real perpetrators. Complete with music and lyrics by songwriting great Irving Berlin, this nonstop screwball comedy features some of the Marx Brothers' best routines, including Groucho's famous land auction and the classic "Viaduct" ("Why a duck?") exchange.

HAMMER: You - you know what an auction is, eh?
CHICO: I come from Italy on the Atlantic Auction.

Animal Crackers
A classic of screen history, Animal Crackers is as uproariously funny today as it was over 70 years ago. This film introduced Groucho's most famous character, Captain Spaulding, whose song became the theme of his legendary "You Bet Your Life" TV program. Highlights include Groucho's Africa lecture ("One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know") and the card game between Harpo, Chico and society dowager Mrs. Rittenhouse (Margaret Dumont).

SPAULDING: As I say, we tried to remove the tusks. But they were embedded so firmly we couldn't budge them. Of course, in Alabama, the Tuscaloosa but that is entirely ir-elephant to what I was talking about.

Monkey Business
The brothers' third film was their first originally written for the screen and their first made in Hollywood. Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo play four stowaways on a luxury ocean liner who end up becoming bodyguards for rival gangsters. Written by S.J. Perelman, this laugh-filled escapade contains some of the Marx Brothers' wackiest routines, including the famous disembarkation sequence where they all pass themselves off as Maurice Chevalier. Opinions are split as to whether you can hear the normally mute Harpo's voice when the stowaways sing "Sweet Adeline." Either way, lunacy rules the waves in this madcap voyage.

MAN: What's the idea putting your hand in my pocket
CHICO: Just a little mistake. I had a suit once just looked like that, and for a moment I thought those were my pants.
MAN: How could they be your pants when I've got them on?
CHICO: Well, this suit had two pair of pants.

Horse Feathers
The Marx Brothers are at their manic peak in this uproariously anarchic parody of college life. As Prof. Quincy Adams, the fun-loving president of Huxley College, Groucho tries to keep the student body in line − and his own body close to a flirtatious blonde (Thelma Todd) who is secretly trying to rig the upcoming football game. Horse Feathers contains some of the funniest sequences in movie history including the unforgettable football game finale, each of the four brothers' distinctive renditions of "Everyone Says I Love You" and a speakeasy sequence that forever gave a new meaning to the word "Swordfish." The fourth Marx Brothers comedy boasts a script by brilliant humorist S.J. Perelman (Monkey Business, Around the World in 80 Days), songs by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby (including Groucho's theme, "I'm Against It") and direction by the great Norman McLeod (Topper, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty).

BARAVELLI: Hey, what'sa matter? You no understand English? You can't come in here unless you say "swordfish." Now, I give you one more guess.

Duck Soup
Released in 1933, this uproarious political satire is thought by many to be the Marx Brothers' greatest movie. Groucho is Rufus T. Firefly, the hilarious dictator of mythical land Freedonia. Harpo and Chico are commissioned as spies by Groucho's political rival, the calculating Trentino (Louis Calhern). The film contains many of the Brothers' most famous sequences: the lemonade stand, the Paul Revere parody, the "We're Going to War" number − a dead-on spoof of '30s musicals −and the often imitated final battle episode.

FIREFLY: To my dentist. Er .. 'Dear Dentist: Enclosed find cheque for five hundred dollars. Yours very truly.' Send that off immediately.
BOB:I'll ... er I'll have to enclose the cheque first.
FIREFLY: You do and I'll fire you.

CAST & FILMMAKERS (The Cocoanuts)

Director: Joseph Santley and Robert Florey
Screenwriter: Morrie Ryskind
Based on Musical Play, book by: George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind
Producer: Walter Wanger
Director of Photography:
Production Designer:
Editor:
Cast: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, Oscar Shaw, Mary Eaton, Kay Francis, Margaret Dumont, Cyril Ring, Basil Ruysdael, Sylvan Lee, Gamby-Hale Ballet Girls and Allan K. Foster Girls.

CAST & FILMMAKERS (Animal Crackers)

Director: Victor Heerman
Screenwriter: Morrie Ryskind
Based on the Musical Play by: George S. Kaufman, Bert Kalmar, Morrie Ryskind and Harry Ruby
Producers:
Director of Photography: George J. Folsey
Art Director: Ernst Fegté
Editor:
Cast: Groucho, Harpo Chico, Zeppo, Lillian Roth, Margaret Dumont, Louis Sorin, Hal Thompson, Margaret Irving

CAST & FILMMAKERS (Monkey Business)

Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Screenwriter: Arthur Sheekman
From a Story by: S.J. Perelman, Roland Pertwee and W.B. Johnstone
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Director of Photography: Arthur L. Todd
Production Designer:
Editor:
Cast: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, Thelma Todd, Rockcliffe Fellowes, Ruth Hall, Tom Kennedy and Harry Woods

CAST & FILMMAKERS (Horse Feathers)

Director: Norman McLeod
Screenwriters: Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and S.J. Perelman
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Director of Photography: Ray June
Cast: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, Thelma Todd, Florine McKinney, Robert Greig, James Pierce and David Landau

CAST & FILMMAKERS (Duck Soup)

Director: Leo McCarey
Screenwriters: Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby
Additional Dialogue: Arthur Sheekman and Nat Perrin
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Director of Photography: Henry Sharp
Art Director: Hans Dreier, Wiard B. Ihnen
Editor: LeRoy Stone
Cast: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, Thelma Todd, Rockcliffe Fellowes, Ruth Hall, Tom Kennedy and Harry Woods

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD
Street Date: November 9, 2004
Order Close: October 5, 2004
Rating: R
Suggested Retail Price: $59.98
DVD Selection Number: 21250

Chico Marx (1887 -1961) Born: Leonard Marx; New York, USA

Harpo Marx (1888 - 1964) Born: Adolf Marx; New York, USA

Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977) Born: Julius Henry Marx; New York, USA

Gummo Marx (1897 - ?) Born: Milton Marx; New York, USA

Zeppo Marx (1901 - 1979) Born: Herbert Marx; New York, USA

Very early portrait of the Marx Family 

Harpo, Zeppo, Groucho and Chico: Legends at the Start. 

Marx Brothers... 

The brothers later in life. 

Vivica A. Fox wore H.Stern earrings and a necklace with one of her many changes while she hosted “Women Rock!” in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast on the Lifetime network on October 18th. Vivica selected earrings from the H.Stern "Ropes" Collection: diamonds set in 18k white gold, $19,000 and a necklace also from the “Ropes” Collection: diamonds set in 18k white gold, $50,000.
 

Kelly Clarkson at Lifetime's Women Rock! concert, carries an evening bag by Daniel Swarovski. She topped off her black ensemble with a black satin clutch accented with red, purple, and black Swarovski crystals in varying shapes and sizes. This intricate clutch comes from Swarovski's most recent Fall 2005 collection. 

Here's a look at The Jim Wayne Salon in Beverly Hills -- don't be misled by how cool and hip the decor is -- they're warm and wonderful and will really take care of you. It's rare you find a salon that has staff who are miraculous in color, cut, straightening, extensions, manicures. They do the proverbial "all." 

Alina of the Jim Wayne Salon -- hair stylist and blow-out extraordinaire. You MUST go see this woman. 

Beauty Night at the Jim Wayne Salon

BeansTalk was among the guests at Beauty Night at the Jim Wayne Salon in Beverly Hills, coordinated by our pals at Rousso Fisher. What a lovely salon, great staff and AMAZING results!! Jim Wayne is a local legend with a justified reputation for being fantastic.

It's a great example of a very cool place, in a great location -- with genuinely warm and kind staff. Despite being in the heart of Beverly Hills, no one encountered an iota of snobbery. The staff asks you what you'd like, and doesn't tell you what they're going to do to you. Color and gloss by Wolf, cut, blow-dry and bright-red extension by Alina, manicure by Kim, wash by Roland. Teena had her hair cut by Homer, manicure by Kim, brows, too. Joelle had highlights by Debbie, cut and blow-dry by Alina, and brows. Organizer Alice had a gloss and cut by Jim Wayne -- face framingly lovely!

We munched on yummy pizza and cookies and drank fancy VOX Vodka drinks (ah, those berry Martinis!)

And in the end, everyone went away prettier and happier.

As Brentwood Magazine has said of the salon: The two-story loft is a gallery housing art and photography from local artists and also the home to proprietor and stylist Jim Wayne and color, extension and thermal straightening specialist “Wolf. ” Known to his celebrity clientele simply as Wolf, his flair for color has graced the pages of Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle and Elle.Wayne’s extensive training, and teaching at the Vidal Sassoon Academy has made the duo a hair force to be reckoned with, garnering the attention of Mischa Barton,Gretchen Mol, Carmen Electra and Kim Cattrall. But even those without celebrity status are treated like a star,“every person who walks into my salon get 110%,” Wayne says.

Jim Wayne Salon
9555 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4503
Phone: (310) 278-1191

Costner Wedding Reception Dessert Display

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner: During the reception, their gigantic chocolate dessert buffet was accented with Swarovski's crystal flower note holders. The note holders were displayed with tags in front of each dessert. Mariska Hargitay used he same Swarovski crystal note holders in her wedding at the head table.

Who's Wearing What + A Little More...

Christina Aguilera wore a colorful silk satin Yves St. Laurent dress in teal and white and red to the Shark Tale premiere in New York.

Renee Zellweger chose a Carolina Herrera black and white 50s-inspired print dress, strapless, with a halter neck.

Angelina Jolie wore bright red pointy pumps with tight jeans and a bold shiny animal print Celine coat.

Missy Elliott went for the logo look, head to toe, wearing Christian Dior beige, red-accented logo hat, coat, shoes and purse.

Star Will Smith wore a black Ferragamo jacket, over a crisp white shirt and slacks.

Bejewled and fisherman-hatted Ludacris wore Tommy Hilfiger (white t-shirt, big pendant necklace and striped blue oversized shirt).

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Sky Captain co-star Bai Ling wore a front knotted yellow shirt and ultra mini frayed denim skirt by Maggie Coloumbe to the Teen Vogue Awards.

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Actress Melora Hardin attended the Hollywood premiere of the play The Ten Commandments starring Val Kilmer. She chose to wear A Pea in the Pod’s pink and yellow graphic floral silk chiffon dress with “O” ring detail. She recently starred in Hollywood Mom’s Mystery and can be seen next portraying Linda Evans in Dynasty: Behind The Scenes. She and her husband are expecting their second child at the end of the year.

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Coming to BBC America: Two millionaire playboys - one self-made, the other born into money - join forces as an unlikely crime-fighting team in the 1971 adventure series The Persuaders, airing as part of BBC AMERICA's retro cool Friday night line-up from November 5, 2004 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Danny Wilde (Tony Curtis) is a brash, street-smart American and self-made millionaire from New York. Lord Brett Sinclair (Roger Moore) is an upper-crust member of the British Establishment, born into wealth and class - the very picture of social refinement.

Also: Academy Award-winner Jim Broadbent (Iris, Moulin Rouge) and Hugh Laurie (Stuart Little, Maybe Baby) star in a colorful and eccentric view of adult life and love in Victorian London as seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl in BBC AMERICA's original comic movie premiere. The Young Visiters [sic], premieres Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Based on the much-loved Victorian novel, written in 1890 by Daisy Ashford, who wrote (and famously misspelled) the tale when she was just nine-years-old, the comic drama centers on two gentlemen - Alfred Salteena (Jim Broadbent) and Lord Bernard Clark (Hugh Laurie) - as they compete for the favors of a young lady, Ethel Monticue (Lyndsey Marshal, The Hours, The Gathering Storm).

Jim Broadbent, who is also executive producer, explains: "The story is told through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl and is her naïve, but startlingly perceptive and very funny, view of the English class system, the foolishness of adults and the power that young, pretty girls have over men."

Fired Hires: 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) announced today that Stacie J, just fired from The Apprentice had hired 5W Public Relations for media relations, and strategic communications, and Ronn Torossian, President & CEO of 5W Public Relations will personally serve as spokesperson for Stacie J. Initial plans include a media event at Stacie's Subway store in Harlem, plans for a clothing line, and a NYC "Meet Stacie J" event for marketing and promotions executives.

Former B-52’r on Sirius: Fred Schneider, frontman of the multi-platinum music group The B-52’s, will host a new program on SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Party Out of Bounds with Fred Schneider will air on SIRIUS commercial-free music channel First Wave starting Friday, October 1. The program, a three-hour musical revelry that will include the best party songs from Fred’s vast collection of 60,000 vinyl albums and singles, will air every Friday from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight ET.

From the Monolators: A little reminder that we're going to be playing at the Lava Lounge tonight (Tuesday) at 10:30. Cover is 5 smackers. For those of you who haven't been there before, it's at 1533 North LaBrea in Hollywood, 90028. That's between Sunset and Hollywood Blvd, almost on the corner of Sunset in a little strip mall (on the West side of the street).

We'll be playing new material, including our questionable version of "Dancing Queen." So that should be somewhat interesting...

Eli

www.themonolators.com

Eddie from Ohio: Eddie From Ohio—a Washington, DC band which loyal “Edhead” fans have been following for over 10 years—is gearing up for the October 19 release of their ninth album, THIS IS ME, on the band’s own Virginia Soul label (through Redeye Distribution).

It’s the first collaboration for the Washington, DC band—Julie Murphy Wells (vocals), Robbie Schaefer (guitar), Michael Clem (bass), Eddie Hartness (drums)--with producer Lloyd Maines, (Natalie's father, who won a Grammy® Award in 2002 for co-producing The Dixie Chicks’ multi-platinum HOME album).

Costner Wedding Dress Details

Christine Baumgartner, Kevin Costner’s bride, has selected a gown by Monique Lhuillier for their wedding at their home in Aspen, CO. Baumgartner chose a strapless rusched bodice ball gown with a sweetheart neckline in a creamy latte hue. The gown, made of imported Italian Peau de Soie, features delicate folds throughout the skirt, embellished with handcrafted silk flowers.

To thank her bridesmaids, Spears gave them Swarovski’s crystal photo frames. The bridesmaids received Swarovski’s Leaves frame in either their traditional square or contemporary oval shape. These frames are surrounded by delicate green peridot, yellow chrysolite and clear crystal leaves. 

Spears' Bridesmaids' gift.