…are today’s stars

who can carry on the legacy of the past

and keep the promises of the future.

The Golden Age of Film is now part of history. It began in 1891 with Edison and Eastman and ended in the late 1960’s with the collapse of the studio system and the rapid growth of television. The legends of that fabulous era are now gone and it is time to pass the torch.

The List (to date)*:

Hugh Jackman Issue #17	Kevin Spacey Issue #17	Sean Astin Issue #17	Meryl Streep Issue #17
Denzel Washington Issue #17

*See “Selecting a Future Legend”

Born Charles Robert Redford, Jr. On August 18, 1937 in Santa Monica, California. Divorced father of 4 and grandfather of 1

“Reasons for Robert Redford’s claim to lasting fame: ….Redford’s good looks definitely give him a plus…he is a very good actor who has appeared in a wide variety of roles from “The Sting” (to) “Out of Africa”…a good romantic lead…he starred opposite some talented leading ladies…like Meryl Streep, Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda….(he is) equally comfortable in “buddy movies” ….sensitive and appealing….(and) a talented director…His Sundance Festival is to be commended for giving independent and unknown film makers a showcase.”

Robin from Tucson, Arizona

Great letter, Robin, and you are right on all counts. Robert Redford has enormous talent in both acting and directing, loads of charisma and looks very good doing it! It is hard to believe this power pack is already a grandfather.

Bob has just finished “An Unforgettable Life” with Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman for Miramax (now in post-production) but no release date was available at press time. He also has been announced to produce and act in “Aloft” for National Geographic, an adventure tale that includes tracking the North American peregrine falcon.

Born Clinton Eastwood, Jr. on May 31st in San Francisco, California. Married twice and the father of 3

“Is director/actor Clint Eastwood a candidate? He is one of the most talented actors around today…Clint can direct and star in the same picture without losing anything from either position (while) creating award-winning movies doing both. Let’s hear it for Clint Eastwood!”

Jacob and Janine from Arlington, Virginia

He is indeed a candidate, Jacob and Janine, and our thanks for presenting him. Considered “unattractive with a protruding Adam’s apple”, he was dropped from even bit parts at Universal where they’ve been kicking themselves ever since. But Clint took television by storm with his “Rowdy Yates” role on “Rawhide”, segued into “spaghetti” westerns and came back full throttle to Hollywood, an international star. By 1971, he had made his directorial debut in “Play Misty for Me” and set up his own production company Malpaso Productions. Right now he has “Rope Burns” in post production for 2005 (actor, director, producer) and has announced for “Flags of Our Fathers” for 2006 (director and producer).

We salute Clint Eastwood, a superstar and Oscar winner wearing both hats!

Born Pierce Brendan Brosnan on May 16th, 1953 in Navan, County Meath, Ireland A widower with I child and two adopted Children, he remarried and now has 2 more children

“Here is my vote for Pierce….He is wonderful in everything he does on the small screen and large screen. He not only looks good (but) he is a great actor. Just look at the class he brings to James Bond and Remington Steele. I love romance and he just seems to fit right in. …He also does comedy very well….(and) he is popular in many countries….Finally, (and) this is very rare, he seems to be a gentleman on camera as well as off.”

Deborah from Delaware

Recently awarded an Honorary OBE (Order of the British Empire), Pierce literally brought James Bond into the 21st century. His portrayal of the suave spy brought box office totals to an all time high and won him the label “The Billion Dollar Bond”! On a personal note….fans are overjoyed that Pierce found happiness now that he is married again (to actress Kelly Shaye Smith) after the tragic death of Cassandra Harris Brosnan.

Pierce is now active in environmentalist projects with friend Robert Kennedy, Jr. in his off time. His acting schedule is busy, too. Now in post production: “The Matador” where he acts and produces for later 2004 release. In pre-production: “Instant Karma” for 2005 and he is also announced to do “Mexicali” planned for 2005.

“Just what is your definition of a legend? Tom Hanks is already a legend ….a regular at the Oscars with 5 nominations and two wins. “Forest Gump” and “Saving Private Ryan” are already classics. So I consider him a legend of today. ….Adding him to your list is a no-brainer.”

Scott from Brooklyn, New York

Well, Scott, I believe Tom Hanks certainly belongs up there near the top of any star list including this one. But, to be a legend (at least according to Arabella) a star, even a superstar, must have finished their body of work and “left the building”. So we created “Legends of Tomorrow” for those we believe are on their way. Tom isn’t finished yet! He still has more heights to climb!

Right now he has a lot on his plate with 7 new projects announced including a documentary and a drama for 2004-6. “The Polar Express”, an animated feature, is in post-production for Christmas release.

“I would like to vote for Charlize Theron. She is a talented actress who is not afraid to take on roles that are different and unglamorous. That’s why she got an Academy Award. She is the blonde who makes blonde jokes unreal.”

Claudine (I am blonde, too) from Norwood, Massachusetts

Good point, Claudine. Charlize is one smart and talented blonde. She has won 17 other awards and numerous nominations including the Oscar and a Golden Globe for “Monster”, a movie she also produced. Charlize was afraid she would get typecast as a blonde bombshell and knew she needed to make “a gutsy career move” (her own words). She was slated to play Roxie Hart in “Chicago” for director Nicholas Hynter but when Hynter left and Rob Marsh took over, the role went to Renee Zellweger.

Charlize is now in Berlin filming a sci-fi picture “Aeon Flux” in which she plays the title role. Also ready for release is “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers” where she portrays Britt Eklund. There are 2 more films announced for 2005-6. Charlize isn’t letting any grass grow under her feet!

NEWS!

.Hugh Jackman broke all kind of records on Broadway during his 1-year run as Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz”. The show closed on September 12th but rumors have it Hugh will do it in Las Vegas next year and a film may be in the offing. This editor was lucky enough to see Hugh in BFO on September 7th and I was absolutely blown away by his performance. Watch for the next issue when we will have much more! More on Hugh! He will start “The Fountain” for Warner Bros./New Regency under the direction of Darren Aronofsky. The film will begin shooting in Montreal. Canada on November 1st.

Hugh in BFO

Meryl Streep at Emmy Awards

Meryl Streep won an Emmy for her role in “Angels in America” an HBO miniseries. Congratulations, Meryl. You deserve it. She is now filming “Prime” with Brian Greenberg in New York. Sandra Bullock, once announced for the cast, has gone on to another project. Screenwriter Ben Younger will also direct the movie.

... Denzel Washington is filming “American Gangster” (working title “TRU BLU) in New York and South Carolina. Antoine Fuqua is directing.

Charlize Theron was painfully injured on the set of “Aeon Flux” in Berlin while doing a wired jump. It has set back the movie’s schedule and delayed the start of her next movie “Class Action” originally scheduled to start January 5th, 2005. She was also forced to miss the premiere of her latest release “Head in the Clouds” at the Toronto Film Festival. However, her boyfriend/leading man Stuart Townsend, attended the showing.

Charlize Theron in "Head in the Clouds"

... Kevin Spacey had a premiere showing of his latest film “Beyond the Sea” on September 11th at the Toronto Film Festival. The movie is based on the life of singer/actor Bobby Darin and will open in New York and Los Angeles before hitting the nation’s theaters in December. Kevin is now in London making his debut as artistic director of London’s Old Vic Playhouse. Also in the works a 13-city concert tour singing the music from “Beyond the Sea” to promote the film.

The Mailbag!

From Annie Maddern, Victoria, Australia

“There has been a recent trend in film today, the rise of the Australian actor on the Hollywood scene. Quickly becoming one of the most well known Australians, and in my humble opinion a legend in the making, is Hugh Jackman.

"Oklahoma"

My first view of Jackman was in the highly successful Melbourne production of “Beauty and the Beast” His performance in the role of Gaston was nothing short of brilliant. This handsome young actor won the audience, and many fans, with his stage presence. His powerful, yet melodic, singing voice has seen him gain major stage roles not only in “Beauty and the Beast” but other shows such as “Oklahoma” and the more recent “Boy From Oz” based on the life of legendary Australian entertainer, Peter Allan.

However, Jackman is not restricted to stage performances. His film career has skyrocketed , forcing Hollywood bigwigs to turn around and take notice. From small Australian TV productions such as “Corelli” and “Halifax f.p.” to Australian films “Paperback Hero” and “Erskineville Kings”, to big budget blockbusters like “X-Men” , “X2”, “Swordfish” and one of the biggest movies of 2004) “Van Helsing” starring opposite fellow Aussies David Wenham and Richard Roxburg. Hugh Jackman has made a huge Australian dent in the Hollywood Shield, but not just as an action star. Lighter films like “Kate & Leopold “ and “Someone Like You” prove Jackman’s worth in more contemporary roles making full use of his ability to work both drama and comedy with tremendous realism.

"Kate & Leopold"

But what makes a legend in the film industry? It is proven that Jackman is a great actor no question, but it is his attitude toward his craft that places him above the mark. In classic Australian fashion he is down-to-earth, funny and all round ‘good bloke’ who, while working intensely in the Hollywood picture, has not forgotten where his roots lie. Combined with his striking ability to take on almost any film or stage role, I would not be surprised if Hugh Jackman quickly becomes one of the most sought after talents this side of the ‘black stump’. Or the other side for that matter. Being one of the favourites to replace Pierce Brosnan as Ian Fleming’s suave British spy James Bond. , lets just hope the drink he toasts to his success is a medium-dry Vodka Martini…shaken, not stirred.

Hoo Roo,

Annie

Thanks, Annie. That was a great tribute to Hugh! It also gave me a chance to include more pictures of him. Hope you don’t mind sharing the space.

Hoo Roo,

Arabella

*Selecting a future legend…..

To be eligible, a star must have at least five pictures in release, a career that began after 1950 and a body of work that was completed mainly in the period after 1969. For example:

Elizabeth Taylor, age 72, made 58 films to date, 43 of them before 1969. That puts Miss Elizabeth squarely in the golden age column. Of course she began her career as a child actress. On the other hand, Clint Eastwood, 73, made 64 films to date, but only 20 of them pre-dated 1969, making him a candidate for future legend. Of course there always has to be one guy who confuses the whole issue! Paul Newman, at 79, is making his 60th movie..and that makes 30 in each era! We will have to reserve a special place for him!