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Mad Men: Wins the Emmy, Pokes Fun at “Spoilers”

Roger Friedman
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Mad Men: Wins the Emmy, Pokes Fun at “Spoilers”

Yes, “Mad Men” did win the Emmy for Best Drama. It was a great night, but it means I didn’t get to watch Sunday’s episode until just now.

As usual, Harry Crane is being used to deliver some messages to the audience, and maybe the press. In this instance, Harry is busy telling the guys from Life cereal what’s going to happen on “Peyton Place.” In 1965, “Peyton Place”–starring Ryan O’Neal and Mia Farrow–inspired just as much cult loyalty as “Mad Men.” Everyone wanted to know what was going to happen. If I remember correctly, “Peyton Place” aired twice a week at night. That was fairly unusual. So much for Matt Weiner and his hated of “spoilers.” He confirmed for on Sunday night that there are no more advance DVDs for critics. He hates them–the DVDs, not the critics, I hope.

Weiner also told me he sees no reason why his cast won’t win some Emmys next year. “They’re a wonderful group, but maybe they didn’t have big enough moments. You’ll see as the season continues, some big things are going to happen.” It does seem like Don Draper is drinking more and getting into more trouble. He and Peggy are perhaps going on a collision course. And Roger Sterling is having trouble defining his purpose at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Also, Lane Pryce had an odd conversation with Pete.

By the way, Matt Weiner is very proud that “Mad Men” has only filmed in Los Angeles. They’re good at making it look like New York. I could have sworn Don and his gang was celebrating in the 21 Club.

Here’s a clip from “Peyton Place.” Ed Nelson played Dr. Rossi. He’s 82 now. I always liked him. Hope he’s doing well.

Curb Your Enthusiasm 2011: Larry in New York Without Cheryl?

Roger Friedman
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Curb Your Enthusiasm 2011: Larry in New York Without Cheryl?

A little sleep 48 hours after the Emmy Awards and we can look back with relief.

Best Official Party goes to HBO, of course. As usual they tent and decorate the entire Pacific Design Center to a fare-thee-well. It’s a magnificent spectacle. There were go go belly dancers perched about 30 feet in the air. There was also a great deejay set up beneath them, with a crowded dance floor.

But the big story at the HBO party is that Cheryl Hines, one of our faves, is only in a couple of the new episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” I don’t know whether Larry and Cheryl remarry, reconcile, or go their separate ways. But one of Hines’s pals mentioned at the party that the actress Cheryl didn’t film in New York with Larry David. Most of the new season is set in New York. That’s a head scratcher since Hines is listed on the imdb.com in all ten new episodes for 2011. We’ll have to wait and see.

Further into the PDC, you had the crowd, full of A listers. Alexander Skaarsgard from “True Blood” just had a crowd of women around him ten deep. You’d think he was giving away samples of something!

The rest of the Blood crowd was there, along with Thomas Jane–walking around barefoot–the star of “Hung.” You know what they say about a man’s feet, and I guess he was trying to prove the point.

Claire Danes was showing off her Emmy for playing Temple Grandin, and husband Hugh Dancy was there to support her. They are a lovely young couple, very polite and engaged. The Dancy’s were hosting Temple and her mom, as well as Julia Ormond. Julia and Claire had fun taking pictures with the film’s screenwriter, Merritt Johnson, kissing him on each cheek.

Some others I ran into at HBO included Mary Kay Place, who came with record producer Russ Titelman; John Slattery (Roger Sterling from “Mad Men”) and wife Talia Balsam; Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, of course; Sharon Lawrence; Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson; and Al Pacino with Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

Lastly one lament from Mary Kay Place. This could be her last time nominated for “Big Love.” She’s always been a Special Guest Star. But this new season she’s been added to the permanent cast. “There are too many great supporting actresses already.” Mary Kay sighed. But she loves being a big part of “Big Love.” Congrats.

As the World Turns Says Goodbye to Nancy Hughes

Roger Friedman
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As the World Turns Says Goodbye to Nancy Hughes

At the end of Monday’s episode of “As the World Turns,” the great actor Don Hastings had to do the unthinkable: announce the death of his on-screen mother, Nancy Hughes, played Helen Wagner since the first episode in 1956. Hastings has played her son, Dr. Bob, since 1960, the same year Eileen Fulton began playing her daughter-in-law Lisa. The three actors weathered just about 50 years together. Wagner died a few weeks ago at age 91.

Well, I’ve said before that CBS and Procter & Gamble have made a huge mistake bringing “World Turns” to an end. The last episode airs on Friday, September 17th. Tuesday’s show was full of nice touches remembering Wagner and her character’s relationships. Even when “As the World Turns” was outlandishly soapy, it never forgot its core families–the Hugheses, and the Lowells, who became the Stewarts, in little Oakdale, Illinois.

(No one’s ever known the population of Oakdale, or its size, even though it has an international airport, docks, a lake, a pond, a luxury hotel, a world class hospital, global thieves and fugitives, a billion dollar management consultancy business, and a working farm.)

Nancy Hughes was never as conservative as you might have thought, and her attitudes did change over the years. In the 1990s she taught a young woman played by Lauryn Hill–not yet a Fugee or a star–how to read by sounding out rap lyrics. Nancy had come a long way from trading recipes and gossip with her retired father in the law in the Hughes kitchen.

I watched Hastings and Fulton today as they said goodbye to Wagner. (The show can be seen at CBS.com.) Imagine that they had worked together for five decades in this intimate setting. They’re actors, of course; they are playing these people. But it’s an extraordinary testament to their skill and professionalism. It won’t ever be repeated. And they’ll be replaced by CBS’s drab and likely unsuccessful attempt to copy “The View.” The march toward September 17th gets a little sadder each day.

Today also marked the return of another great actor, Larry Bryggman, who left the show a few years ago as Dr. Dixon. The company wanted to demote him after 30 years. He said no, and went on to many Broadway successes. It was terrific to see him again, even though Dr. Dixon was really evil, as I recall.

PS Don’t believe a word about the death of soaps. CBS and P&G did nothing to promote their shows. They strangled them financially, and routinely wrote off popular characters to alienate the audience. P&G wanted out, and on September 17th they end 54 years in television production. Congrats!

Justin Bieber Lip Synchs at Film Shoot, Gets Knocked Down

Roger Friedman
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1
Justin Bieber Lip Synchs at Film Shoot, Gets Knocked Down

Justin Bieber’s show tonight at Madison Square Garden should be interesting to say the least.

At last night’s film shoot at the Garden for his 3D movie, the 16 yer old Bieb had to lip synch to the music. The reason, as stated, was that he’s still ill and can’t sing. I’m not convinced that he’s much of a singer in the first place. But the little tween kids love him, and don’t care one way or another. They don’t know the difference.

The shoot lasted eight hours–from 3pm to 11pm–and also included Sean Kington in addition to the aforementioned Usher and Jaden Smith, who I guess is launching some kind of music career now. Bieber, a Canadian found on YouTube, is surrounding himself with R&B acts. I wonder how Usher feels having to play along with all this hype. He’s the actual artist.

There are of course, staged scenes in this 3D extravaganza. During a fight scene last night, I’m told Bieber — who vertically challenged– was knocked over by one of the larger dancers. Still, he dusted himself off and returned to the action.

Meanwhile, Bieber has issued some announcement to his teen fans that they should up tonight even if they have don’t have tickets. He’s letting tens of hundreds of tween girls think that if they wear purple they’ll somehow get in.  Obviously MSG wouldn’t allow such an announcement unless there were plenty of unsold tickets.

Justin Bieber: Exclusive Photos from Movie Shoot

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber: Exclusive Photos from Movie Shoot

Last night (August 30th) at Madison Square Garden, there was some filming for a movie.

Ah yes, annoying little Justin Bieber, who’s the subject of a film about what’s under his bangs, was on stage making a 3D version of his tremendously exciting life.

A helpful spy sent me these two pics. One is of Justin with Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. The other shows him with Usher.

Quick: which of these things is alike? Which is different? Discuss and explain.

There were about 500 people in the invited audience, I am told. Leave it to Bieber is having problems with his voice (d’oh!) such as it is, so the audience was given an explanation that these things will be taken care of later in the studio. Oh, I am sure they will.

From Leif Garrett to Bobby Sherman to Fabian, etc there have always been teen pop stars. Remember the Jonas Brothers? Or Hanson? (Note corrected spelling.) These are the acts for whom state fairs are produced. Let’s love the Bieb while we can. Five years from now, the lawsuits over money lost, etc. will make excellent stories.

Namaste.

Also, these pictures are Copyright 2010 c2010 Showbiz411.

George Clooney’s “The American”: Eat, Shtup, Shoot

Roger Friedman
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George Clooney’s “The American”: Eat, Shtup, Shoot

George Clooney opens on Wednesday in “The American,”  a movie that almost nothing has been known about. The buzz was that it was bad, and that Focus Features was dumping it. The film had no US premiere, no press junket, and George isn’t attending its screening in Venice.

So what gives? We saw “The American,” directed by Anton Corbijn, on Monday night at long last. I mean, who screens a movie 48 hours before it’s supposed to open? So many weird things about this release, including the fact that the press notes omit entirely any mention of one of the five main players, actor Johan Leysen. I don’t get it.

And yet, it turns out “The American”–which should be called “Mr. Butterfly”–is a terrific, dark, semi-indie release. Clooney gives one of his best performances as a moody, nearly silent hit man who’s on the run in Italy from mysterious enemies. The title may refer to the fact that Clooney is the only American in the film, and the only recognizable face.

But some things–many things–are different about George Clooney in this film. This movie is a hard R rating, and not just for its violence. It is also unashamedly sexy. I can’t recall seeing George Clooney in a real sex scene before, and he’s been to the gym in anticipation of it. Luckily, his co-star, Violante Placido, is more than up to the challenge. She is a spectacular, and often naked, beauty audiences are not likely to forget any time soon.

Corbijn won raves previously with his film, “Control,” about the rock group Joy Division. In “The American,” he’s done just as well if not better creating a moody, dark film that moves slowly with purpose and is as at the same time just riveting. Corbijn is all about style but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of substance, too.

Using Italian villages as his backdrop, he’s quoting heavily from Sergio Leone. In fact, Clooney’s Jack reminded me a lot of Clint Eastwood’s early gunslingers. The villages are as remote, lonely and scary as wild west towns in Corbijn’s creation.

I really thought Clooney’s work here puts him in line for an Oscar nomination along with Michael Douglas from “Solitary Man,” Ryan Gosling in “Blue Valentine,” and Leonardo Di Caprio from “Inception” and “Shutter Island.” And Corbijn has made a movie I will recommend to anyone who asks over this Labor Day weekend: “What should we see?” See “The American.”

Emmy Awards: Intimate Photos

Roger Friedman
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Emmy Awards: Intimate Photos

Ann Lawlor got a few shots for us from the Emmys last night. They’re all c2010 Showbiz411 and Ann Lawlor. I particularly like the one of Matt Weiner, creator of “Mad Men” and his wife, at the Governor’s Ball. And our pal Brenda Vaccaro with husband Guy. She didn’t win. But Brenda is eternal! And check out Mariska Hargitay, clowning around with a friend’s Emmy. She has plenty of her own. Mariska is on her way to Hawaii for a short family holiday, then back to work on “Law & Order: SVU.”

Matthew Fox: Lost Star May Do London Play with Ashley Judd

Roger Friedman
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1
Matthew Fox: Lost Star May Do London Play with Ashley Judd

So: Matthew Fox tells me he’s definitely headed to London’s West End. He’ll star on stage beginning next March in a new play by Neil LaBute.

“It’s a two hander,” Fox said, “And we’re hopeful that Ashley Judd will play my sister.”

The play is about a brother and sister, their attraction to each, and some of psycho-familial stuff that LaBute knows how to turn into headline making drama.

This is a great idea for Fox, who just spent the last six grueling years starring on “Lost.”

And what did happen on “Lost”? Fox explains it thusly: “Jack died at the end of the show. But the whole ‘flash-sideways’ was everything else that had happened up until that moment, in another time.”

Okay. I am going to watch season six all over again now that the DVDs are coming out. That’s all I can do.

Meanwhile, Matthew was very happy to meet up with Seth Meyers from “Saturday Night Live” at Jimmy Fallon’s after party last night following the Emmys.

Fox said once the LaBute play is done, he’ll start thinking about new movies. He’s going to enjoy this time to prepare for the role. “I’ve never had so much time to get ready for something,” he said.

And does he miss “Lost”? “Not at all,” he said, shaking his head, and smiling.

Also enjoying themselves at Jimmy Fallon’s party were January Jones of “Mad Men” and “SNL” boyfriend Jason Sudeikis. Janaury’s dress looked like a starched blue Dorito and it even felt like one too. But she was having a good time.

Earlier in the evening, I met the little girl who plays January’s daughter on “Mad Men”–Kiernan Shipka–and her mom. Last week, Sally was slapped pretty hard by mom Betty Draper–January Jones. I asked her if it was real. “The first few times was practice,” Kiernan said, showing me how she turned her head to avert the slap. “But the last time, she really got me!”

Mad Men’s Jon Hamm: Next Film with Anne Hathaway, Kristen Wiig?

Roger Friedman
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Mad Men’s Jon Hamm: Next Film with Anne Hathaway, Kristen Wiig?

Exclusive

Jon Hamm didn’t win his Emmy Award last night for Best Actor. It doesn’t matter. With only one episode of the show left to shoot this season, Hamm is looking forward not back.

At the Governor’s Ball last night, Jon and his long time girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt told me they’re getting to shoot a new film which she will film based on her own script.

“Friends with Kids” was already previewed on August 1st in a script reading at a theater festival. Now Jon and Jennifer say they’re ready to roll, and are starting to pull together what’s necessary to make “Friends” before “Mad Men” starts again.

Westfeldt is an accomplished writer and director, of course. Her “Kissing Jessica Stein” is still considered one of the great indie films of all time. Jon Hamm had a walk on in the 2001 production. Now he’ll be the star! The couple also said they’re hopeful Anne Hathaway and Kristen Wiig will be some of the other “Friends with Kids.”

Hamm is well on track to leave “Mad Men” and become a move star when the TV show’s run is up. His management and instincts keep pointing him in the right directions. Not only is he doing a lot of comedy– as in “Saturday Night Live” and on last night’s Emmy show with Betty White–but also on “30 Rock” where he’s been nominated for an Emmy. When “Mad Men” is over, Hamm will not be typecast as Don Draper. His next big digression is a big role in Ben Affleck’s “The Town,” which gets a release in a few weeks.

Jimmy Fallon Rocks the Emmy Awards, Then Throws Cool Hollywood Party

Roger Friedman
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2
Jimmy Fallon Rocks the Emmy Awards, Then Throws Cool Hollywood Party

I don’t know what the Emmy Awards looked like on TV, but in the Nokia Theater, it was a hit.

Jimmy Fallon brought youth and freshness to the proceedings. He was the best host in recent memory, giving the show a much needed personality. From his opening musical number with the cast of “Glee” to his musical category dividers, Fallon — with his guitar and unabashed courage–was in command. Everyone will gripe about something on Monday morning, but Jimmy rocked the Emmys. I say have him back next year.

And the Emmys are not easy–George Clooney provided the only glimmer of glamour all night. Otherwise, the Emmy show is a turgid affair. Here’s something; in the Nokia, during the breaks, the orchestra played mournful classical violin sonatas. It sounded like a funeral. So weird. It was only when Fallon took the stage back that the audience came alive. Who knows what was going on.

Also, the show is hampered in the theater becausde someone made the decision not to show the acceptance speeches on the big video screens. So the winners were hard to see or understand, leading to lackluster applause within the room. At the end of the show, 3500 people were told that they had come to the front left corner of the theater and enter the Governor’s Ball through a tiny door. It was insanity.

But I digress.

There were several upsets. None of the “Mad Men” actors won anything, yet the show won Best Writing and Best Drama. Go figure.

Jewel screeched through the In Memoriam section with a song I never want to hear again. And the producers foolishly snubbed the deaths of great TV actors who died this year– Helen Wagner, James Mitchell, and Frances Reid, all soap legends who’d been on TV as long as the medium has existed. It was lame.

Other anomalies: Steve Carell being snubbed for the kid from “Big Bang Theory.” No Charlie Sheen either. And where were people like Courteney Cox and Jeremy Piven?

Nevertheless, four star kudos to Jimmy Fallon, who celebrated into the wee hours at club Trousdale with his sensational producer wife Nancy Juvonen and a few close pals like Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Drew Barrymore–who danced up a storm with Bill Maher; Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy; Seal and Heidi Klum; Michael C. Hall, Karen Duffy, and a gaggle of “SNL” friends like Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and Ana Gasteyer. The music was R&B and the menu was Inn and Out Burgers. It was a night to remember and one that won’t be forgotten.

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