Don DeVito dies at 72

A&R exec and producer Don DeVito, best known for his '70s work with Bob Dylan, died Nov. 25 at a hospice in the Bronx after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 72. DeVito, who served as senior VP of A&R at Columbia Records for many years, began his association with Dylan on the 1976 album "Desire," one of only four albums by the singer-songwriter to reach No. 1 on the U.S. album chart. The same year, he also produced "Hard Rain," a live collection drawn from a date on Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour. The producer went on to helm Dylan's 1978 studio album "Street Legal" (1978) and "Bob Dylan at Budokan," a live collection recorded in Japan and issued in the U.S. in 1979. He also worked on the 1985 boxed set "Biograph" and produced the live sound for Dylan's all-star "30th Anniversary Concert Celebration," released on CD in 1993. Besides producing the boxed Dylan collection "The Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3," DeVito worked on catalog projects for Sony's Legacy division by Tony Bennett, Carole King, the Byrds, Journey, Janis Joplin and Jeff Buckley, among others. He also produced albums by Billy Joel and Aerosmith and actor Joe Pesci's 1998 vocal set "Vincent Laguardia Gambini Sings Just for You." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

A trio with Brio

Branagh's role as Olivier in 'My Week With Marilyn' revitialized his desire to act on film.Kenneth Branagh intends to devote more time to film acting in the immediate future -- "I had such a delicious time in ('My Week With Marilyn'), and I want to continue that," he says -- but he's choosing carefully and has yet to commit to his next role. In the longer term, he's developing three features as a director."Italian Shoes," adapted by Richard Cottan from the novel by "Wallander" author Henning Mankell, is about a reclusive old surgeon on a Swedish island who hasn't come to terms with his past mistakes. Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench are attached to star. "Wallander" co-producers Left Bank and Yellowbird are aiming to shoot in late 2012 or 2013.Fox 2000 is developing "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," adapted by Don Roos from the bestseller by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. It's a love story set in London and the Channel Islands after WWII that Branagh describes as "a beautiful romance, very touching and uplifting." Producers are Paula Masur and Mitchell Kaplan, with Branagh's regular partner David Barron."In both cases, the nuance, delicacy and flavor is so based on the perfect casting," Branagh says. " 'Italian Shoes' is tailormade for Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench. Casting is not fixed yet for the Guernsey film."Even further off, Branagh is attached to direct "The Boys in the Boat," which the Weinstein Co. is developing based on Daniel James Brown's book about the Washington U. rowing squad in the 1930s.On stage, "The Painkiller," in which he starred at Belfast's Lyric Theater this summer, is under discussion to transfer to London or NY. Branagh says a decision will be made after he has finished shooting the latest episodes of "Wallander," which he is in the midst of filming in Sweden.British Independent Film Awards 2011Back to the features The Variety Award: Kenneth BranaghTitan of stage, screen, tube | A trio with Brio | Keen on Kenneth Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Go On, Treat Yourself: Buy the Ring Sharon Tate Was Wearing During Her Murder

If you have $10,000 and no soul, I’ve got the perfect Christmas gift for you: The engagement ring that Roman Polanski bought for Sharon Tate in 1967 — the one she was wearing when the Manson family murdered her and her unborn child — can be yours! The website GottaHaveRockandRoll.com is graciously putting the Valley of the Dolls star’s jewelry up for auction, and if you wanna go a little helter-skelter this holiday season, I suggest you snatch up the pricey trinket without looking back. Fancy and fun! Coming up next on GottaHaveRockandRoll.com: Some plane debris with Jim Croce’s entrails on it. [TMZ]

'50/50' Suit: Did Seth Rogen's Movie Steal Its Title In the Music Label?

Finally, some movie suit news that doesn't involve 'The Hangover Part II.' In line with the Hollywood Reporter, Eastland Group has filed a suit in the filmmakers of '50/50,' proclaiming the film's title was stolen. EMG states it's been while using the "50/50" and "Phifty-50" title since 2000, which there's a typical law trademark on "50/50" (meaning the title is "never formally registered but potentially still known as intellectual property whether or not this was utilized continuously"). The label initially sent a request for the studio in September (the film was released on Sept. 30) to avoid using '50/50.' Clearly, that didn't work. THR also states that EMG is demanding "an enduring injunction against standby time with the title, the destruction of products where '50-50' is attached, plus an award of all of the film's sales and revenues consequently in the alleged breach." '50/50' has presently made $34 million. So ... meaning the complaintant wants everything? Unsure on whether EMG is suing individuals who make bets on gold gold coin movies. [via THR] 5 Movie Law suits 'Natural Born Killings''The Hangover, Part II''Borat''Passion in the Christ''Coming to America' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

OSCARS: Brian Grazer & Robert Lorenz Open Files On Clint Eastwoods J. Edgar

This is the second production collaboration between Imagine Entertainment co-chairman BrianGrazer and Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions partner Robert Lorenz. (The first was 2008s The Changeling). J. Edgar was surrounded byintrigue and intensity from the startof the film, which was turned down by Universal because the studio didn’t want to make another period film.A Malibu meeting between Grazer and Eastwood paved the way for Warner Bros to release this montha fascinating look at one of the most complicated figures in history, his abuse of power, and the demons that haunted him. Central to the movie is the incredible pedigree ofclint as a director Eastwood, and the powerful performances by Leonardo Di Caprio,Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, and Judi Dench. Before J. Edgar hit theaters, AwardsLine contributor Ari Karpel spokewith Grazer and Lorenz to discuss biopics in the age of dirty Oscarcampaigns, Clint Eastwoods difficult-to-categorize politics, and the challenge ofmaking serious films in an often frivolous age: AWARDSLINE: Tostart, tell me about how this project came to be, from the beginning. Grazer: I thought it would be interesting tomake a movie about Hoover because hes such a complex character.He also, for the most part, originated theFBI.He certainly sustained it. So, I pitched it to Universal and they likedit.I met with writer Dustin LanceBlack and then pitched it to him.Hesaid hed been thinking about something similar.He likes power structures the same way I likepower structures. So while wewere developing it, Id seen Leonardo a couple times just casually. He was aware that we were developing Hooverwith Lance Black.He seemed excited bythe idea of either reading it or maybe even doing it.Script comes in and Universal chose not to doit.I suggested we give it to Rob forClint and for Rob himself.Wed alreadyhad a great work experience together on TheChangeling with Angelina Jolie.He readit, liked it and quickly talked to his partner over there, Clint Eastwood. They said were in. Then that got Leo tosay Ill do it. AWARDSLINE: The subject matter didn’t give anyone pause? Lorenz: Whatever work Brian and Lance had doneprior was working because the script came in and we both felt it was reallysmart and intriguing.Hoover, whomeveryones familiar with as the director of the FBI, is also this characterthats surrounded in mystery because hes hiding secrets and he has thispersonal life that everyone has questions about.It just seemed like a great subject for amovie. Grazer: I think that a lot of the subjects withinthe movie are relevant today and are even more relevant today in some ways.When Lancestarted writing it prior to Clint and Robs involvement, he did a lot of researchon it went to the FBI and then as Rob and Clint became involved, we justcontinued to research.Thats where alot of the story gets filled in because these guys are great.Clint and Rob are just great researchers. I think we made a point tohave it be as accurate as it possibly can be and settle in the aspects thatwouldnt overtake the central story. AWARDSLINE: Obviously,Lance who won an Oscar for his Milk screenplay, is a naturally political person and very progressive in his politics. Similarly, Clint is also a naturallypolitical person, though more conservative.Was that a kind of delicate dance in some way with this project? Lorenz: Well, I dont think so.People try to label him a conservative.But Im always impressed by how progressive afigure he is.I think if you look at thesubject matter in his choice of films over the last several years you canreally see that.I mean choosing to do Flags of Our Fathers and really sort ofglamorizing the Americans and that war and then countering that with theJapanese perspective was something that for a lot of veterans tensed them up tothink that Clint was going to try and tell their side of the story.They resent any need to do that. Grazer: I think hes singularly been sosuccessful at doing these great American tragedies.I dont know if either Rob or I have seenanyone else succeeding on his level; doing films that are so hard.He picks these really difficult and complexsubjects and finds ways to create cohesive movies that make sense. AWARDsLINE: Ofcourse were in such a polarized political culture, even in the Oscar races.Brian, from your experience withA Beautiful Mind — which wasprobably the most attacked movie in terms of the opposition — how does thatshape how you go into making a movie like this that is a likely Oscar contender? Grazer: Well, first of all, Rob and I canonly hope that its thought of with that kind of potential.Thatd be great.As far as ABeautiful Mind, I think controversy comes when you get pulled into therace.It wasnt really as controversialwhen we made A Beautiful Mind as itwas when people started competing with each other.On this movie, Clint has tackled such toughsubjects, so I thought he would be perfect for this not only as an artist butsomeone who always struggles and struggles and finds the truth insubjects.I think people, his criticsand people who work within the business; they all sort of feel that if anyonesgoing to try a tough subject and do it with honesty its going to be Clint. AWARDSLINE: Yousaid Universal didnt want to do this initially. Why was that? Grazer: Once Clint said hewas interested in doing it, Universal might have come to the same conclusion tomake it.But I think they werent goingto come to that conclusion that quickly; whereas, Clint read it and Rob read itand they had an enormous amount of passion and urgency. Clints pretty busy all the time, so Rob andClint and I, to some degree, took it to Warner Bros; they were ready to makeit right away. AWARDSLINE: Whatdid Universal struggle with?Was it thetopic, the budget or what? GRAZER: I dont know.I think its hard to get dramas made rightnow, right, Rob? LORENZ: Yeah.Thats the same thing Warner struggled with.There are restrictions on it in terms of thebudget size.It was a risky proposition that a historical drama was going to make back a big amount of money unless itturned out just right, which I think it has. GRAZER: A movie like this, everybody takes alot less money and a lot less of everything. You have to make it at a verysmart price. [Editors note: They claim J. Edgars production cost came in just under $40 million].In some ways, youre thinking I hope peoplesee it and like it or love it the way we love it. Youre not thinking of it the same way youthink of an event movie.You just cantframe it that way. AWARDSLINE: Now,certainly Clint’s obviously had incredible box office and Oscar success with MillionDollar Baby and Unforgiven.Itseems like his last few movies havent received the attention of the Academy thathis previous ones have.Im curious fromboth of you why you think that is. GRAZER: I think a lot of it is the subject andthe theme.I think this one has those andits also a tour de force.So, I thinkwe might have a chance. LORENZ: Weve been out there every year with aproject.I think enthusiasm goes backand forth.I think the timing is rightto open this particular project.

Natalie Wood Mystery: File Shipped to Sheriff Revealed Telling Clues (PDF Document)

Marti Rulli mentioned Friday, November. 19, she felt a sense of relief after a period of effort to convince government physiques to reopen an analysis to the 1981 dying of actress Natalie Wood.our editor recommendsNatalie Wood's Sister Makes First TV Appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' (Video)Natalie Wood, Christopher Walken's 'Brainstorm': How a Actress' Dying Derailed Her Final Film (Video)Christopher Walken Utilizes Lawyer to cope with Natalie Wood Analysis (Exclusive)12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious DeathsNatalie Wood's Boat Captain Confesses to Lounging, States Robert Wagner 'Responsible' on her behalf Dying (Video)Natalie Wood: 5 of Her Most Memorable Roles (Video)Natalie Wood: A Hollywood Icon RememberedNatalie Wood Dying: Christopher Walken Radio Interview a HoaxNatalie Wood Dying Analysis ReopenedRelated Subjects•Natalie Wood The Nj freelance author greater than 2 decades ago grew to become an associate of forces with Dennis Davern, who was simply captain in the yacht Wood and husband Robert Wagner were sailing round the evening she died inside the waters off Santa Catalina Island. VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles She's spent people years researching, considering and covering what went lower your evening. Rulli and Davern launched the sunday paper couple of years ago about Wood as well as the situation referred to as Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Beauty, the later a reference to the the title in the yacht. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood Davern can be a Nj native who offered inside the U.S. Navy until his discharge in 1971, according to his author bio. He got employment inside a marina in California following a Navy, where he increased to become ship captain for Wagner and Wood. After Wood's dying, he will be a part of the Screen Stars Guild and labored mostly becoming an extra when he did be employed in Hollywood. Later, Davern gone after Florida whether they have operated a marina and boat maintenance business. For many days, otherwise years, Marti Rulli and Dennis Davern -- but especially Rulli -- are actually lobbying the La County Sheriff's Department to reopen the problem. She's develop extended files, by getting a connected affidavit from Davern, listing main reasons why they need to rip the lid in the 30-year-old situation (the file she sent the Sheriff's department might be read here). Now, she got what she wanted. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths "I'm relieved the problem was reopened," she told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, "which professionals will probably investigate situation because it has not really been investigated." She and Davern contend the 1981 analysis barely skimmed the top products happened and Davern now states Wagner told him not to discuss all he understood. Davern mentioned he lied in regards to the situation when he spoke to government physiques thirty years ago. To make the models in the media now, within the Today Show to CNN, Davern alone with Rulli, have told their story. Davern has accused Wagner, who was simply Wood's husband, to become responsible for her dying, but has rejected to supply his reasons for the accusation round the air. He mentioned he and Rulli have told police (see files attached here). PDF DOWNLOAD: Read Dennis Davern and Marti Rulli's Sheriff's Department File As a swap, many media have accused Davern and Rulli to become to take advantage of the problem round the 30th anniversary of her dying. This just is really the particular weekend -- Thanksgiving -- that Wood died. Consequently in the publicity, CBS has elevated with this weekend a 48 Several hours Mystery group of the Wood situation that it's going to broadcast that's simply with various 2000 Vanity Fair article. VIDEO: Natalie Wood's Boat Captain Confesses to Lounging, States Robert Wagner 'Responsible' on her behalf Dying Davern and Rulli have declined they're trying to market books or energy up their unique profile. Their publicist referred to as Hollywood Reporter on Friday to shout that anybody accusing his clients to become out for publicity, or trying to take advantage of Wood's dying to earn money, are wrong. Publicist Ron Kramer mentioned it showed up in this area couple of years ago, as well as the soft cover version and e-book showed up in this area way back when too. He mentioned they are only responding to media demands to make states anybody getting a microphone or word processor who asks. STORY: Christopher Walken Utilizes Lawyer to cope with Natalie Wood Analysis In the brief interview with THR, between TV interviews, Rulli mentioned she welcomed the statement Friday from Wagner, released through his publicist, he welcomes an inquiry and may cooperate fully while using government physiques. "If he's doing welcome it is possible he'll be ready to complete the holes as well as the versions between his story for the police (three decades ago) and also the story within the book 20 yrs later. Maybe the time is right for him to resolve some questions." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Finest Deaths and Surprises When asked for if she was troubled the L.A. Sheriff mentioned Wagner wasn't a suspect, Rulli mentioned that was not just a surprise to her. "You will discover no suspects yet for them,In . mentioned Rulli. "They just re-opened up up this case and they have several days before them organizing witnesses, talking with witnesses, staring at the evidence as well as the situation files from three decades ago. So we are not really a suspect at this time around. Hopefully, after they finish this analysis, Natalie might have had the analysis she warrants." Sophie Schillaci and Andy Lewis brought with this report. PDF DOWNLOAD: Read Dennis Davern and Marti Rulli's Sheriff's Department File Related Subjects Christopher Walken Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

The Michael Fassbender-Prometheus-Greg Louganis Nexus

“I kind of went my own way, really. I didn’t watch the [Alien] films. When I found out I was doing it, I didn’t revisit them. […] Greg Louganis was my first inspiration. I figured that I’d sort of base my physicality roughly around him, and then it kind of went from there.” [MTV Movies]

Pre-Split Kim Kardashian Talks Quickie Marriage

First Published: November 15, 2011 3:00 PM EST Credit: Marie Claire LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Kim Kardashian appears on the December 2011 cover of Marie ClaireJust weeks after Kim Kardashian married NBA star Kris Humphries and before she announced her split after just 72 days the reality star said she wasnt worried about her new groom or their quickie engagement. We felt like, Why wait? Kim said in the December issue of Marie Claire in an interview conducted prior to her split. Its fun to have a partner who understands your life and lets you be you. A pre-split Kim told the mag that she and her now estranged husband had nothing but trust for each other. Im not worried about him at all. We have a lot of trust, and I dont think either of us would do anything to break that. It makes life so easy. Hes such a good guy; he is so down-to-earth, and its such a reality check, she told the mag. He is a normal guy, and I just want to chill out and be normal and not get glammed up all the time. He gets it. Sometimes my life can be really intimidating for people, but he allows me to work and do what Ive gotta do. Kim, who took loads of criticism following her short-lived marriage, said the Kardashian clan is all about keeping it real for the cameras. We made a pact as a family and said we would be truly authentic because people dont buy bulls***. Well just be who we are, and love it or hate it we have each other, he told the mag. I think thats what makes it so relatable, because we are not afraid to show crazy things. In related news, Kris who hails from Minnesota broke his Twitter silence for the first time since the split, Tweeting, Theres no place like home, and posted a photo of a lake. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sales companies petition to keep AFM at beach

Even though it's couple of years away, a recommended move in the American Film Market from Santa Monica to downtown La was already invoking resistance. Since the AFM launched around the sunny Wednesday at its traditional beachside location within the Loews Hotel, about 40 signers went public with opposition to this kind of move by having an online petition. Signers include reps of IFDC, Artists View, Constantin, UFO, W2 and Imagem. "I join this petition as Santa Monica may be the finest place for that AFM," written Atlas's Michel J. Vandewalle. "Getting were living myself in L.A. for any very long time, I have found the bradenton area since the best and many secure place for the worldwide customers to visit. Well, I don't understand why there is a necessity to move it downtown where travelling freely is not that apparent. It'll restrict individuals to fulfill in the open free way and disperse these over town as not everyone will have a way to purchase the pricey hotels in this area.In . The Independent Film and tv Alliance confirmed in September it had been settling to relocate the 2013 American Film Target L.A. Live in downtown La. The 2012 mart would remain in Santa Monica. AFM controlling direcor Jonathan Wolf told Variety, "No decision has been created about 2013. We are hearing everyone's opinions relating to this.In . The association mentioned in September that moving to downtown La means lower hotel and exhibition costs for customers and merchants and screening venues within the Regal Cinemas and Nokia Theater -- which by 2014, you will notice more resort rooms surrounding L.A. Live in comparison towards the Loews Santa Monica area. "The L.A. Live district will let's grow all segments in the AFM -- market, conferences as well as the celebration of film -Making the AFM more inclusive for the entire film industry," mentioned IFTA in those days. Anchor Bay's Kevin Kasha told Variety that AFM's beachside location comes with an alluring setting that could be tough to stop. "I merely got from the screening as well as the first factor that we saw was the beach," he added. The petition noted that more than 15 years, Santa Monica remains the "ideal location" for customers. "Its facilities as well as the beach are actually recognized around the globe and so they embody the prestige in the event, like the Cannes Film Festival and MIP-TV, which boast a stylish beach location," the petition noted. "We, the participants, are becoming accustomed get to Santa Monica for your AFM and consists of be considered a yearly tradition. We are very happy to perpetuate this tradition because we love to the region and also, since it needed us years to work through the running nuances of attending industry in Santa Monica." The petition also asserted the sales suites and screening rooms inside the L.A. Live complex will have to be split between hotels as well as the adjacent convention center. "This could divide participants who will have to run all day long lengthy extended to have the ability to cope with their conferences," the web site read. "This could you need to be tiring, in addition to creating a more demanding atmosphere generally. And, consequently, participants may want to shorten their stay which will deeply customize the business in the market. A less competitive market can lead to less attendance and, ultimately, for the extinction in the market." The petition also noted the Independent Spirit Honours attempted this season to move from Santa Monica to downtown L.A., however gone to live in the beach a year ago. "We don't wish to become parked in soulless spaces in the heart of a crowded downtown L.A.," it mentioned. "You need to meet and do our business serenely if whatsoever possible. Comfort and prestige will be the tips for some effective market." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com