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 NORM CLARKE
MORE COLUMNS
 Legendary actor Tony Curtis and his wife, Jill, arrive at the Paris for the CineVegas International Film Festival Tuesday.
Photo by Amy Beth Bennett. |
Wednesday, November 29, 2000
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: Norm Clarke
Movie veteran has no desire of exiting industry
Film legend Tony Curtis doesn't go to the movies anymore -- but he's still studying them.
Curtis, who opened the third CineVegas Tuesday night with the ceremonial red carpet walk at the Paris, said he frequently watches his old movies to become a better actor.
"I watch them a lot. `The Boston Strangler,' `Some Like It Hot,' `Sweet Smell of Success.' I look for the weaknesses, areas where I can improve."
Curtis, 75, has appeared in more than 100 movies in his career and will be awarded CineVegas' Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday. His arrival looked like a blast from the past when he climbed out of his limo and was joined by wife Jill, who was wearing a tight white dress ala Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot," complete with the platinum blonde look.
Curtis made it clear he's not ready to ride off into the sunset. Asked if he would consider a cameo in the remake of "The Great Race," Curtis shook his head emphatically.
He plans to continue acting as long as he can.
"No cameos, no bit parts, that's bull," Curtis said.
Swan Song
It was one of those saddest of bookings that should not have happened.
Early in Sunday night's show at the Suncoast, it was obvious to all that the legendary Frankie Laine, almost 88, was a ghost of his former self.
And it was painfully obvious as well to the 1950s icon affectionately known back then as "Old Leather Lungs," whose gold records include "Mule Train," "That's My Desire," "That Lucky Old Son," and "Jezebel."
After his first number, a hoarse Laine asked, "Did that sound as bad to you as it did to me?"
As bad as it was, it was still better than Saturday night. First there was a 25-minute overture, never a good sign. Then, when Laine came out, he coughed a couple times and mentioned his voice hasn't been the same since a bout with pneumonia more than a year ago. He asked the audience to watch a five-minute video of him singing and then announced their $40 tickets would be refunded if they wanted. Most did.
After his first song on Sunday, he pulled out his set list and said, "You know my memory is not so good." He checked the list and then asked, "Did I do the first song already?"
With that he struggled to read the next song on the list. "But I'm covered because they put an idiot board on the floor for me." Then he bent over, looked for the handwritten words, and said, "I can't read that either."
A few songs later, Laine told the audience, "I think this will probably be my swan song."
Farewell, old warhorse. We'll miss you.
Sightings
Steve Martin and Martin Short, two of the "Three Amigos," dining at Picasso (Bellagio) among a party of four on Monday night. ... Robert Goulet and Rich Little, celebrating the same birthdate at LeCirque (Bellagio) Sunday with 16 friends including show biz veterans Phyllis McGuire, Steve Lawrence, Vince Falcone, Frank Sinatra's former conductor, and magician Lance Burton, who considered ordering rabbit, but opted instead for his multiplying rabbit trick. ... At 'N Sync's Friday show: Eddie Van Halen and wife Valerie Bertinelli and son Wolfgang. ... Lance Bass and Joey Fatone of 'N Sync at Studio 54 (MGM Grand) after their Saturday show. ... U.S. Fed Team members Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, and Lisa Raymond, celebrating their victory over the Spanish team Saturday at the House of Blues Foundation Room (Mandalay Bay).
The Punch Line
"When in danger, ponder; in trouble, delegate; in doubt, mumble." -- Robert F. Wagner, former mayor of New York.
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can reach him at 383-0244 or norm_clarke@lasvegas.com.
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