Weekend Newsreel: December 2, 2005

Compiled by the FilmBuffOnLine Staff

 

     Peck’s Walk Of Fame Star Stolen- Actor Gregory Peck’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star was cut out of the concrete sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard sometime between November 18th and the 22nd. The star, located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street was one of the original 1,500 stars installed on the Walk. Police theorize that the thief used a cement saw to remove the star. A replacement star was unveiled this past Wednesday. Peck joins actors Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas and Gene Autry in the dubious honor of having their stars stolen from the Walk since its inception in 1960.

 

 

     Bruce Lee Statute Vandalized Within Hours of Unveiling- The statue of Bruce Lee erected in Mostar, Bosnia (first reported about in the Newsreel here) has been vandalized mere hours after its unveiling earlier this week. The statue was erected by the city government after officials realized that all factions of the ethnically divided city looked to the martial arts star as a hero. The statue depicted Lee in a defensive stance armed with nanchucks. However, within 24 hours one of the nanchucks’ chain and handle was discovered missing.

 

 

     Independent Spirit Award Nominations Announced- Writer/director Noah Baumbach‘s divorce drama The Squid And The Whale led the pack of nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards announced this week. You can find more coverage and the complete list of nominees here.

 

 

In Remembrance-

 

Wendie Jo Sperber- The comic actress who starred Bachelor Party (1984) has passed away at age 47.

Keith Andes- The actor who starred opposite Marilyn Monroe in the 1952 feature Clash By Night has passed away at age 85.

Pat Morita- The character actor best remembered for his role as the dry-witted karate sensei Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid series of films has passed away at age 73.

 

 

Opening This Week-

 

December 2

  • 39 Pounds Of Love (LA)

  • Aeon Flux

  • Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zant

  • Christmas in The Clouds (wide)

  • Far Side Of The Moon (NY)

  • First Descent

  • The Kid & I (limited)

  • Three Of Hearts (SF)

  • Transamerica (NY, LA)