Harvey Weinstein wanted ‘Catcher in the Rye’ film rights
Old Oscars memory. Harvey Weinstein, then-Miramax chief, once wanted to make a film based on “The Catcher in the Rye.”
Reclusive author J.D. Salinger wasn’t eager on selling film rights.
Weinstein said: “Just get me in a room with this Salinger guy and I’ll get those rights.”
In other Oscars news, minutes following the losers pretending to congratulate the winners, three Oscar-type names are in one new movie. Michelle Williams, Hong Chau and Judd Hirsch.
It’s “Showing Up.” A comedy. Something about a sculptor and an art scene. Opens April 7 — not in galleries but in something called movie theaters.
Also on April 7. Javits Center. The New York International Auto Show. For the first time, first Responders get in free on April 14.
Fire, police, EMT workers. Their guests, half price. But who needs a car in NYC since you can’t get anywhere in one. Traffic’s so bad that a 2024 model rates a trade-in before it gets crosstown. Park the Datsun. Take the dachshund.
The big Macca
Tonight. Carnegie Hall. Paul McCartney tribute. Performers include: Lake Street Dive, Lyle Lovett, Shovels & Rope . . . Shovels & Rope? Yeah. You’re thinking maybe Paderewski and Lily Pons? It’s Michael Dorf of City Winery’s Music Education fund-raiser. Might be McCartney might show maybe.
A family calling
Genealogy: Meryl Streep’s actress daughter is Grace Gummer. Paul Sorvino’s is Mira Sorvino. There’s Tom Hanks’ son Colin. Melanie Griffith’s Dakota Johnson. Remember Sammy Davis Jr.? Tyrone Power Jr.? George Washington maybe had nobody but at least we got FDR Jr. And jumping off bloodlines? Elvis’ grandkid Riley Keough.
Now climbing the politics ladder — Sarah Morgenthau. New name. Old family. Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau’s signature decorated every US bill in the 1930s. Robert Morgenthau was New York’s longtime DA. Barnard/Columbia grad, served Obama and Biden, Sarah Morgenthau did the Peace Corps, ran for Congress, has three children, worked in the Dept. of Commerce, Homeland Security and now wants to run for District Attorney in her grand-uncle’s old seat.
Upset NYC is in a law and order mess, she has the calling. Also the name. And the game. Lame Bragg has the fame and the blame. We welcome Sarah Morgenthau’s ability, history and genealogy. May she gag Bragg.
NYC’s great taste
Reminder: NYC has wonders — not Minnesota, not Utah — ONLY New York. Voted yearly, best chef, Eric Ripert. His West 51st restaurant Le Bernardin permits no sweats, tees, hats, shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, cut-off sleeves. Collared shirts only. $100 cancellation fee to cancel your reservation.
Now, just opened, Benny John’s Bar and Grill, 8 E. 48th. Near tourism’s St. Pat’s, Rock Center, Grand Central. Tudor City Steakhouse’s same family.
Chef formerly at Peter Luger’s. Indoor, outdoor, steaks, grill, USA-style food. Great.
And Shelly Fireman, who owns Café Fiorello across from Lincoln Center, added another onto the campus.
The restaurant’s adjacent to Film at Lincoln Center. His new Café Paradiso is now open for drinks and noshes, breakfast to dinner.
Two ultra-progressives having a chat. One: “What do you think of LSD?” The other: “I think he’d make a great president.”
Only in America, kids, only in America.
