Florence Henderson...a flake! Mr. Brady a real-life closet-case!

 

How synchronistic!

I was just in the throes of penning a post on Florence Henderson's tacky behaviour lately, when a customer in 711 at the check-out counter nexto to moi did a double-take in my direction, and uttered up an observation.

"You look a bit like the Dad on the Brady Bunch," she giggled.

I reacted by noting that I crossed paths with Robert Reed years ago.

But, there was another connection (of sorts), as well.

An acquaintance of mine (a male escort) confided in me once that he played-for-pay with Reed (who was a closet-case throughout the duration of his long illustrious acting career).

"He tipped well, too," the studly hustler bragged in a druken stupor one dark night of the soul.

"Mr. Reed noted that he paid well to guarantee his privacy," he continued.

"Did you reveal his secret," I asked out of curiosity.

"I only discussed it with the other guys in the trade," he asserted proudly.

Male prostitutes have ethics, too, 'ya know?

Curiously, I was invited on to the set of one of "The Brady Bunch" reunion shows a short while after Reed's sexual proclivities were secretly disclosed to me.

Uh-huh!

Mr. Reed cruised me from across the set, but stopped short of making a pass on the sound stage.

As industry-insiders are well aware (and as fans learned later after his death) Reed was quite professional - circumspect, in fact - in that regard.

He'd never pursue sex in a work settting or even temp fate (for starters).

In contrast, I found Florence Henderson to be loose and classless.

In fact, on the set it was evident to me that she was not only a selfish person - who went after what she wanted at any cost (even at other people's expense) - but also an ego-maniac.

Needless to say, I wasn't surprised when Ms. Henderson recently tattled that Mayor Lindsay once infected her with "crabs".

It wouldn't surprise me if she hatched up the scheme (the revelation, allegations, etc.) in order to boost sales when the fluff  is shipped to be stocked on the shelves later this year.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Enrique Iglesias...pulls out of Britney Spears - er - tour! Diva (Latino Idol) miffed at 2nd billing!

No way, Jose!



Enrique Iglesias angrily stomped his foot, and pulled out of the Britney Spears tour late yesterday afternoon, after the Pop Diva announced to a gushing fan base that the sexy heartthrob would be hitting the road as her warm-up act.

Ooops!

Handlers noted in a terse press statement that the popular crooner was under the impression that the gig was going to be a "double-bill".

Once the disgruntled hit-maker caught wind of - what he perceived as a "step down" in his career - he was quick to cut the ties that bound him to the loopy Pop Star on a rebound in her own career daze.

What a humiliation!

And, you thought Divas only came in the female variety, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Super Britney!

(not so superb to Enrique)

Margot Gerber...publicist threatens press! American Cinematheque employee a mentally disturbed loser!

Many people are under the impression that in Hollywood actors are the sole individuals with inflated egos and an overblown sense of self-importance!

However, in the underbelly of Tinsel Town, there are a handful of scurrilous individuals who take the cake in that regard.

Staffers in publicity departments - and press agents who represent major stars in Hollywood - are at the top of list!

Take Margot Gerber, for instance.

Ms. Gerber is employed in the publicity department at the Hollywood Office of the American Cinematheque.

Recently, Ms. Gerber e-mailed me a press release on the upcoming Samuel L. Jackson event slated for December 1st at the Beverly Hilton - at which point - I promptly penned a beautiful post to enlighten industry folks about the upcoming event.

Post: Samuel L. Jackson

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/11/american-cinemathequerespected-actor.html

However, when it came to acquiring a press pass for the event, I encountered a nightmare due to Ms. Gerber's incompetence, bizarre game-playing, and general lack of professionalism.

Normally, a publicity department invites the press to submit their credentials for approval to attend a specific event.

Usually, the process is prompt and conducted with a minimum amount of fuss.

But, from the get-go, it was obvious I was dealing with a loser with no legitimate background in the industry, who was under the mistaken impression that she was some kind of High-Priestess of Hollywood entitled to doll out insults, mistreat members of the press, and so forth and so on.

My suspicions were verified when I searched "Margo Gerber" on the Internet and managed to secure a handful of the most God-awful press releases she prepared (for so-called clients) which smacked of having been crafted by a ten-year old with no experience in the biz whatsoever.

In her initial press release for the Jackson affair, snobby Gerby came across as crass, abusive, and demonstrated a lack of good manners.

Her lack of respect for others was distinctly obvious, too.

In her instructions to the media, for example, she put specific words in CAPS - as if to SHOUT at the recipients - of her e-mails.

In addition, Ms. Gerber treated industry-members like they were misbehaved children - and she the strict parent on-the-ready to spank 'em - if called for.

For example, she threatened that if the rules laid down in the release weren't strictly adhered to, no credentials would be forthcoming.

And, in another segment of her misguided missive, she snidely remarked that a press pass would not necessarily guarantee entrance to the event.

"Don't contact us," she snarled. "We won't call you back." (!)

Yeah, all the top media dogs in the local arena are supposed to twiddle their thumbs, until this nasty little Princess with the foul aura gets off her high horse?

There were other glaring irregularities, too.

Ms. Gerber requested that the media "fax" requests for press passes.

Generally, though, Film Festivals and the coordinators for special screening events, conduct their press bookings via e-mail.

Consequently, many reporters don't have their own personal fax machines.

Are media types supposed to go to Kinkos, pay for a fax, then hunker down for days until she gets off her butt and responds back?

Ms. Gerber expects that, yes.

When a number of individuals I am associated with received a notice back "denying" their request for a pass, Ms. Gerber actually had the audacity to instruct them to continue to cover American Cinematheque events in the future.

Was she daft?

I, for one, will never give her, the Aero, or American Cinematheque any press coverage in the future.

Maybe, a jab or two, for the insult!

When I advised Ms. Gerber in an e-mail that I found her notions ludicrous under the circumstances, she responded with an implied threat.

"Are you sure you want to make an enemy of me?"

At this juncture, it was obvious that Ms. Gerber was in dire need of therapy, fast!

After all, any sane person - who wasn't on a power trip - would have attempted to sort out the problem professionally.

Ms. Gerber, on the other hand, inferred by her inappropriate comments, that she was an individual I would not be wise to cross!

There's nothing worse than a lady (I use the term very loosely) who thinks she has a pair of balls, eh?

In a couple of follow-up e-mails - which were desperate and out-of-line - it became obvious to me that Ms. Gerber was suffering from a mental disorder of some kind.

Ms. Gerber, get psychiatric help.

Notwithstanding, you're also a detriment to the Aero Theatre and the formerly prestigious American Cinematheque!

When I finally noted I was going forward with my story, she sent a nasty e-mail informing me she was pulling me off her e-mail lists.

Of course, her action was an attempt to slap me in the face.

But, since she was already noticed previously there would not be any coverage in the future for Aero and American Cinematheque events, why the heck do I care if I am on their e-mail lists?

Duh!

Ms. Gerber is too stupid to figure that one out.

Bill Cosby once said:

"A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice."

AFI FEST...Publicity Director John Wildman lashes out! The man is off his rocker...

Yesterday, I penned a post noting a couple of screw-ups that occurred this past week at the AFI Film Fest, due to the incompetence and inexperience of John Wildman and his staff in the publicity department.

In particular, I pointed out that information Mr. Wildman provided to me was incorrect, which resulted in a bit of an uproar in the film community.

For example, Wildman informed me personally that Meryl Streep would not be appearing on the red carpet at the Premiere of "DOUBT" slated for screening on October 30th.

Ms. Streep did stroll down the red carpet the next night, in fact.

Subsequently - I was forced to edit a post to explain the snafu to my readers and film buffs - especially in view of the fact that one AFI supporter (unfamiliar with the facts) blamed me for reporting erroneous information.

In addition, I pointed out in the post that Mr. Wildman's staff provided contact information for Ms. Streep and Joaquin Phoenix which was also incorrect.

In a response communication, Mr. Wildman tried to wiggle out of blame.

For example, he noted for the record that AFI updates information and sometimes get it wrong. (okay!)

Instead of resting his case there, he proceeded to snidely remark:

"But, seriously Joaquin Phoenix? Meryl Streep?"

John, I have copies of the e-mails that confirm my allegations to be true.

Some of the issues he addressed related to my comments about his shoddy set-up at the Roosevelt Hotel.

For example, I noted in my post that when I stopped into the publicity director's office at the Roosevelt on Wednesday to pick up my media badge, it was obvious from the poorly-set-up press headquarters that Wildman and his staff were not only inexperienced but incompetent as well.

His reply?

"I'm a publicity director. Not an interior decorator."

I don't expect you to be, John.

An intelligent "boss" in charge of a department such as yours - with an ounce of experience and know-how - would have simply farmed the task out if they weren't capable of putting together a professional presentation themselves.

It's the details, man!

If Mr. Wildman was a mature individual - with a smaller ego and a bigger IQ - he would have fessed up to his shortcomings without any qualms.

After all, it's not very intelligent or productive to ignore the obvious.

Has the man such little self-awareness?

In the communication he zipped off, without much thought or reflection, he even tried to toss the blame on me.

For example, in a condescending manner, he inferred that I didn't know any better.

After all, her asserted, I was "new".

Ha!

As I noted in a response e mail today, I am certainly not new!

If anything, I am getting long in the tooth.

In fact, I have been involved hands-on in show biz and the film industry - in a myriad of capacities - for over thirty years!

I was in front of the camera when Mr. Wildman was still pooping his drawers!

And, his mother was wiping his snotty little nose.

Oh, but Mr. Wildman had so much more to toss into the fray.

He chirped that I didn't know anything about festivals or how they worked!

Because he has handled a couple, he's suddenly the expert, eh?

Well, I had a big guffaw over that one!

I have been attending and reporting on festivals for years!

I not only know how they work, but why they don't, when they don't.

When a Director at a Film Festival is "pig-headed" - doesn't know who key players are in the industry, and allows an overblown sense of self-importance get the better of him - then it's time to call it a day.

Mr. Wildman concluded his little diatribe by lamenting that I must have had a bad day.

On the contrary, my week was smashing!

In closing, he tried to put a muzzle on me and restrict my right to free speech.

He issued a directive that I focus on the filmmakers.

"They are the story. Not me."

Duh!

As I noted in a follow-up, I don't just report on the films and their makers.

On the contrary!

I also pen commentary on the scuttlebutt - on the red carpet, off of it - and behind-the-scenes.

Don't expect me to wax poetic in a phony puff piece to bolster a star's ego, though.

I may be inclined to throw a spotlight on the AFI FEST, however, and what I perceive as a "clubby" elitist organization run by a handful of snobby individuals who are under the mistaken impression that their sh** doesn't stink.

To cast a blind eye all to that would be a ludicrous notion.

Quentin Tarantino once said:

"I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person that is lower than me. I am the audience."

CineVegas Film Festival....Dwayne Johnson fans scream out for the "Rock" at premiere of Get Smart!

As they spied him approach the escalator at "The Planet Hollywood" fans suddenly lost their cool in a long line that snaked around the foyer and excitedly jumped up and down shouting - "Rock" "Rock" "Rock".

Then - amid a swirl of publicists and bodyguards - Dwayne Johnson (one of the stars of "Get Smart") strutted onto the red carpet to meet the swarming press who descended on him like flies to sh**.

The Theatre had scheduled a special screening of the Steve Carell feature (lifted from the old TV show) as a charity fundraiser for - "Knapsack" - the project that Mr. Johnson supports.

Mr. Johnson plays a bumbling agent in the comedy spy thriller (?).

Later in the day he received a star on Johnny Brenden's local Las Vegas "Walk of Fame". In the true spirit of the occasion, Mr. Brenden handed the "Rock" an oversize check in the sum of $2,500.00 for his cause.

Frankly, I've never seen the press gush so over a Hollywood celebrity.

But - before he had ventured halfway down the carpet to shake hands and answer questions put to him by the swirling paparazzi - he graciously slipped over to the screaming hordes and signed autographs.

A couple of media types followed the bankable movie actor to capture the adoration on celluloid - at which point - a rude female publicist in Johnson's entourage barked that they return to the red carpet.

Rock, the woman is bad for your image. Dump her!

Meanwhile, I stood on the sidelines surreptitiously listening in on the interviews.

A couple of cynical reporters warned me in advance that Mr. Johnson tended to be a bit full of himself; so with an open mind, I listened intently to determine if that was the case.

Well, he was gracious. And, articulate about the function of his charity. No, the ego wasn't too glaring, in spite of the fact he was all puffed up and his body language appeared to be transmitting the message:

"Yes, I'm Mr. Macho, aren't I?"

The press corps ate it all up.

After one female reporter finished up her segment and she turned in my direction, I noticed right away that her face was beet red!

"You sure are flushed," I laughed.

"Oh, it's so hot in here," she responded somewhat nonchalantly.

Or, was it your subject that got you all flustered, I teased.

"Caught me," she giggled as she started to wrap up her equipment.

An aggressive on-camera journalist in a sexy little number with a tiger print, dragged out a photograph of the "Rock" - naked from the torso up - and used her feminine wiles to wangle an autograph.

In spite of the fact it's rumored the "Get Smart" actor is trying to leave the "Rock" faze of his career behind, he scribbled his John Henry on the publicity still. And, she was thrilled.

Personally, I found the bodyguards a little unsettling.

One, had a quirky psycho look about him.

The other had a demeanor that was a cross between a Mormon and some character out of the horror flick "Night of the Living Dead".

Get rid of the goons, Rock. It's bullsh**.

Although he appeared cool on the surface, I couldn't help but notice that his hands were clenched and ill at ease.

But, his entrance was the greatest reveal of all.

When the Festival Director called out his name, he tripped over the curtain when he made his entrance, and stumbled into the room a bit clumsily.

In view of the confident image he threw off on the red carpet, I surmised at this juncture, that he must be a better actor than I thought.

In fact, I have to hand it to him.

In view of the way he was treated by the fans and the press alike, I think that it is quite evident that in the Hollywood midheavens, Mr.Johnson is a mega star on the rise that may burn brightly for quite a while if he plays his bungling - um - punches right.

Babies..."damaged goods" due to lack of parenting skills!

The other morning as I was exiting Starbucks, a woman strode up to the front door of the popular cafe pushing a stroller with a baby inside.

Then, for some inexplicable reason, she turned the buggie on its wheels and scurried off the other way. As I alighted from the cafe, I noticed her cowering in the corner near a table. Other patrons were staring at her oddly, too.

When I asked her if she'd like some assistance opening the door, she mumbled something incoherently.

Perplexed, I went on my way; but my heart went out to that child.

If the woman was on drugs or alcohol, the effect on a young tot could be devastating.

Many parents are unaware of the fact that in the formative years - one to five, in particular - their baby is most impressionable.

During that time span, most of their personality traits are formed, arising out of daily events - negative and positive - that parents unwittingly thrust them in to.

In some instances, a lack of proper care and nurturing may not only scar the young one, but result in a personality disorder that he or she may carry around with them for life.

I have been fascinated by the subject every since I took a course in psychology focusing on - "Personality Profiles" - a few years ago at St. Mary's College in Brentwood, California.

A number of prominent psychologists contributed to the fascinating course material in the compulsory text.

Eric Erickson - for instance - believed that personality develops in a series of stages and his intriguing theories zeroed in on the impact of social experience across the individual's entire lifespan.

One of the main elements of Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity, an interest shared by fellow colleague, Sigmund Freud.

Freud (who shared my birthday!) theorized that there are three basic aspects to that identity: the Id, the Ego, and the Superego.

Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, our ego identity is constantly changing due to daily experiences and information acquired in our constant interactions with others.

Obviously, the quality of the relationship between mother and child in those early years is of paramount importance.

In addition to ego identity, the prominent scholar also believed that a sense of competence also motivated behaviors and actions.

In Erickson's view, there are a handful of stages that are intertwined with the task of becoming competent in a specific area of life. If the stage is handled well, for example, the person will feel a sense of mastery in their sphere. If the stage is managed poorly, the individual may emerge with a deep-rooted sense of inadequacy.

In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in their development. And, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality.

During these times, the potential for personal growth is high, but so is the potential for failure.

Trust vs. Mistrust (Stage 1)

The first stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and one year of age and is the most fundamentally important stage. Because an infant is utterly dependent, the development of trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child’s parents.

If a child successfully develops trust, they will feel safe and secure in the world. Providers who are - inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting - contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children they watch over. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (stage 2)

The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development takes place during early childhood and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control and freedom in their environment.

Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different then that of Freud's. Erikson believe that learning to control one’s body functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence.

In contrast, other psychologists mentioned in the course, felt that potty-training a child too early may result in the development of an anal retentive personality!

Other important events include selective control at meal times, preferences for playthings, and clothing selection.

Children who successfully complete stage two (moi) feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.


Add a negligent parent, without parenting skills into the mix, and the end result is obvious: a troubled untrusting child unable to develop properly through the natural stages in the early years.

Something to chew on, parents.

Clarence Darrow once said,

The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half by our children.