By Jill Jackson
HOLLYWOOD … Raindrops fell on Tinseltown, and everyone is happy about that. We don’t see rain often. Which brings to mind my favorite scene in a movie: Gene Kelly singing and dancing in the rain in the movie “Singin’ in the Rain.” I had the pleasure of knowing him, and oh, what an attractive man! As for his dancing ability, no one doubts that, and many times there are arguments as to who was the better “hoofer,” Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire. I don’t think that argument has ever been settled.
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One argument that is pretty much settled among those who write about acting is that Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are the No. 1 actors on the big screen today. Many of you might disagree, and if you do let us hear from you. Remember, this doesn’t mean glamour, sex appeal or box-office draw. Just plain ACTING!
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Sir Michael Caine appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” and not once did Dave mention the Sir. As a viewer, I would much rather hear about his receiving that honor, and his private life, than what he thought about acting and films. But once again, they weren’t doing the show for me. And harking back to best actors, certainly he is one of them.
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Don’t you love this title, “Finding Grandma”? It screened as the opening night film at the Malibu Film Festival. Malibu, in case you’re not aware of this part of the country, is a fashionable beach community on the Pacific about 10 miles from Hollywood as the crow flies. Or any other bird, for that matter. Speaking of Malibu, I can’t remember whether or not I’ve told you this, but it’s such fun that it bears repeating. Larry Hagman has a palatial home on the beach in a gated community in Malibu. He also has a home in town. When he’s at his Malibu manse he flies a flag, so everyone knows Hagman is in residence.
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Aside to Josephine G. of Yuma, Ariz.: Conan O’Brien is supposed to hit the air in the fall for TBS. Already advertisers are fighting for spots on the show. And no, I do not know where or how he is spending his time. We all know about Conan’s career ups and downs, but not too much about his private life. And no, I don’t think he dyes his hair reddish. I think he was born that way. … And to Muriel D. of Dallas: No, definitely Dave and Regis are NOT enemies. Actually they are friends and like each other. So much for late-night stuff.
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Sandra Bullock is certainly making headlines in all areas. Word from “The Big Easy” is she has been seen trotting around the Garden District, where she now has a home. AND to be a bit repetitious, that area of “The Big Easy” is looking more and more like Hollywood South.
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Gwyneth Paltrow always has had her own distinctive look, but on a recent Late Show with Letterman, she looked like all the other femme guests: long, straight blond hair parted in the middle, and little-nothing black dress. They talked mostly about their children (as Dave always does) in lieu of mentioning her famous relatives: her mother actress Blythe Danner and father producer Bruce Paltrow. Nor did he mention how she came to name her daughter Apple. Instead, he asked if her children liked the food in England.
© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.