George Bush the elder, not Dubya is heading for immortality. Executive producer Jerry Weintraub, who brought us Oceans 11, 12, 13 and maybe someday 14, 15 and 16, on how HBOs coming documentary on former President George Herbert Walker Bush came about.
Its on right around the historic D-Day week of June 6. A birthday celebration, its June 14. The 8th is Barbaras 87th birthday, and his 88th is the 12th. The documentary is called 41.
We both have homes in Kennebunkport, [Maine,] so I know the family well. Im close to them for years. Look, Im too old not to know everyone well. A young man whod filmed some footage about astronauts for $1.50 had the idea and started making this. The president asked me to get involved.
The two hours will be all in President Bushs words. First time ever hes talked about himself. Nothing political. No philosophizing. All about his childhood, father, mother, sisters, children, service to the country. Plus never-before-seen private home movies. We shot lots of photos and personal footage. The whole thing took 2 1/2 years.
Bios dont usually do something. This will. Itll tell who he was, what formed him. Its lots about the young Bush.
I called HBOs co-president Richard Plepler and said what Im doing. He came to California to see it. He and Sheila Nevins, who does all their special projects, wanted to do it.
Bush loves what we have. Hes over the moon. My idea was a premiere in Houston, but instead were building a facility in Kennebunkport, and therell be a clambake at his home.
TOM Cruise took singing lessons for next months Rock of Ages film outing. Training with Lenny Kravitz, he surprised everyone. Now, they say, the guy can really carry a tune. Were not talking exactly Andrea Bocelli, but he can actually sing . . . C. David Heymann wrote books on Jackie, Liz, JFK, Barbara Hutton. Jackies gone, Liz gone, Hutton gone, JFK gone, Bobby gone. As of last week, Heymanns gone. He once phoned me to call Elizabeth Taylor a sacred monster.
THE morning line on the presidential election: Pros estimate the same-sex marriage stance brings Obama another $20-$30 million. The gay community is affluent. Willing to spend money. However, the race is too close to call. Romneys language and campaign ads, focusing on Americas prosperity, stimulating jobs, not romance, are having impact.
WHILE learning from Usher, 33, Justin Bieber, 18, is teaching his mentor a few things. At a cover shoot for ABCs Sunday Billboard Music Awards, the senior one said: He makes me feel old. He messes with me about my phone or how slow I type. Replied the junior: Listen, he didnt even know what iChat was!. . . Susan Lucci and five girlfriends lunching at Southamptons 75 Main.
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Straight from Bush’s mouth
Recommendation and review posted by G. Smith
