Marci's Hollywood Hotline will be a regular feature on www.KNBSTV.com and you can submit info and invitations to her at hlbt@earthlink.net  

Marci’s Hollywood Hotline                                Marci Weiner

   The Malibu estate of Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling, and his lovely wife, Shelly, was transformed into Hollywood Heaven at the Clippers Annual Tip-Off party, hosted by Sam Cassel, Corey Maggette, Cuttino Mobley, and Elgin Baylor.. The grounds of the Oceanside mansion were covered with pristine white carpeting, and all the guests were attired in traditional summer white. A dazzling effect to be sure!
      Elton Brand was there, despite his recent injury to his Achilles tendon, as well as many of the other Clipper notables, and indicated he is not sitting around twiddling his thumbs while recuperating. The plucky player has just produced the film Rescue Dawn, the story of Lt. Dieter Denger, a German born U.S Navy pilot, who was shot down over Laos in 1966, and who staged a spectacular escape from a prisoner of war camp.  The film, starring Christian Bale, has received rave notices.  So if Elton can’t play in the NBA this season, he may walk or hobble down the red carpet at the Oscars.
      Speaking of heavenly evenings, Project Angel Food honored  Shirley MacLaine and famed architectural designer Xorin Balbes, at their new headquarters in Hollywood. Master of Ceremonies, First Lady of California, Maria Shriver and her son, Christopher Schwarzenneger addressed the importance of helping those in need, and Chris even related his own experience volunteering in the kitchen.
      Long time supporters and weekly volunteers, Eric and Janet McCormack enjoyed the performance of Grammy Award winner Nina Freelon..  Other celebs included Jennifer Coolidge, Randolph Duke and Judith Light..  Dame Elizabeth Taylor was set to present the Marianne Williamson’s Award to MacLaine, but had to cancel due to illness.  John Gile, Executive Director, was pleased to announce that over $600,000 was raised, which will help allow the organization to serve more than 1,4000 meals per day to help those affected by HIV/Aids and other serious illnesses.
     The sad saga of Anna Nicole Smith continues.  War has broken out between Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern, and former news anchor, Rita Cosby.  Her new book, “Blonde Ambition” accuses the two of being gay lovers, and cutting a deal giving custody of baby Dannielynn to Birkhead, and making Stern executor of Smith’s estate.  And what about that Texas doctor who is trying to release a video documenting Anna undergoing cosmetic surgery?  Everyone is trying to jump on the bandwagon, so it is refreshing to note that a new 2-hour movie about Anna, produced by Nasser Entertainment, is really a tribute to the tragic beauty.  This film focuses on the positive side of her life, not on the trash.
   It details the story of her Rags to Riches climb, but most of all it is about her unconditional love for her son, Daniel.  Willa Ford, who makes her dramatic debut in the flick, is perfect as Anna.  She transcends from a shy, brunette teenager, to a bigger than life blonde bombshell, with ease; and her scenes with veteran actor, Richard Herd (who portrays J. Howard Marshall) show a side of Anna which has never been displayed before.
     Ford was not at the premiere at 20th Century Fox, as she was honeymooning with pro hockey player, Mike Modano.  However, the case of characters, led by Bobby Trendy (who wore more makeup than anyone) was more fun than the movie.  He was accompanied by Mary Carey (the porn star who once ran for Governor) and former wrestler and reality star, Chyna Doll, who co-starred in Anna’s last movie, Illegal Aliens. Enjoyed meeting Patrick Ryan Anderson, who made his acting debut playing Anna’s son Daniel.  His performance was so outstanding, he was booked for a recurring role on Hannah Montana , which airs on the Disney Channel..  Besides pursuing his acting career, Patrick is in his junior year at Loyola Marymont University.  You can’t be young enough, thin enough or educated enough in Tinseltown to survive!