Lindsay Lohan...pleads "No Contest" Blinded by the Bling! Jail time!

Lindsay Lohan has done an about-face and elected to pass on a long drawn-out trial on a charge of allegedly making off with a five-finger discount at a trendy retail outlet situated in picturesque Venice Beach (CA).

Earlier today, legal counsel appeared on her behalf at a Los Angeles courthouse to enter a surprise plea of “no contest”.

A sruprise because up-until-now, Ms. Lohan's handlers were adamant that she was inncoent, and that the "Mean Girls" star intended to have her day (well, another one, at least) in court.

The term is a fancy one – which usually masks the guilt surrounding an alleged crime – to allow a reluctant defendant to bow out gracefully.

When you factor in - Judicial Economy - it may have been a wise move on the part of her legal counsel in the final analysis.

The defendant is still considered convicted for all intents and purposes, but the plea may be challenged during an appeals process, if the defendant so desires.

A cynical few take the view that a defendant has not necessarily asserted his or her innocence - or admitted guilt - when they elect to plead "no contest".

In sum, the court is being given the nod to proceed with the disposition of the case.

On occasion, accused individuals plead no contest - because legal counsel has advised that in view of the facts and evidence on record - that the charges against the individual may be difficult to beat in an actual court-of-law.

In Lindsay Lohan’s case there is allegedly video footage of the troubled actress waltzing out of the retail store without paying for the merchandise.

Extenuating circumstances may have allowed for some wiggle room, especially with a competent attorney at the helm.

For example – Ms. Lohan’s team were within their rights to argue that the jewellery was on loan (or in the alternative argued that Ms. Lindsay simply tried on the piece of bling and forgot to return it to the clerk).

The fact her handlers returned the item once the incident was reported to the police - appeared to seal her fate in the eyes of the law, fans, and the public-at-large though - who were not easily hoodwinked.

Ms. Lindsay would have been better off arguing that she was a kleptomaniac – who needed therapy and counseling – and not hard time in the local slammer.

In response to the no contest plea, Ms. Lohan was sentenced to four months in jail.

In addition, the astute bench warmer ordered that the talented – but drug-addled actress – perform 480 hours of community service as well.

Lohan, was not required to appear in court today, but must report to jail on or before June 17th to fulfill her obligation to society.

However, at press time, insiders noted that Ms. Lohan may be eligible for house arrest which would require an electronic monitoring device on her person 24/7 to ensure the terms of the agreement are met.

Lohan was also ordered to complete much-needed therapy and is required to enroll in an anti-shoplifting program as well.
With this sorry chapter of her life closing in the near future, hopefully Ms. Lohan can get back to business as usual.

For instance, last month, Lohan landed her first feature film part since the whole fiasco began many moons ago, and is expected to go forward and co-star with John Travolta and Al Pacino.

The project is a film bio on John Gotti and the mob.
News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Sophia Loren...honored with tribute in Hollywood! Glam Queen still radiant @ 78!

Tonight, legendary beauty - Sophia Loren - is slated to appear at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre where she will be honored with a tribute by her peers.

Billy Crystal hosts the star-studded event which took her by surprise.

"I didn't expect it," Ms. Loren fessed up graciously upon hearing the exciting news.

"It's wonderful because I belong to Italian movies - and generally - we Italians, we don't get these wonderful, great, great honors, even though we deserve it sometimes."

John Travolta and Bob Marshall (who directed her in the musical bomb "Nine") are slated to attend the festive start-studded event.

As I noted in my  own review of the ill-fated musical - unfortunately - Ms. Loren's talents were greatly wasted in that uneven production - which was panned by many relevant critics in the show-biz arena.

Post: 02/02/2010

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/01/ninescripted-material-for-sophia-loren.html

Of course, Ms. Loren is probably best known for starring opposite film greats like Cary Grant, well-received studio features such as "Houseboat".

In that classic flick, Loren demonstrated a definite flair for comedy.

However, the heralded actress has also turned in fine dramatic performances over the course of her illustrious film career, which have also received rave reviews.

For example, in 1961, she starred in Vittorio De Sica's "Two Women" to much acclaim.

The drama - a dark tawdry tale about a mother who is raped while trying to protect her daughter during a conflict in war-torn Italy - showcased her acting gifts to a "t".

That raw heart-wrenching performance won her an Academy Award for Best Actress (in addition to twenty-two other prestigious awards in filmdom around the globe).

In additional to being well received critically, the flick was also a commercial success.

Other awards include an Academy Honorary Award for her contributions to world cinema.

On that celebrated occasion, Officials crowned Loren "one of the world cinema's great treasures".

In 1995, she also received a coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award (Golden Globe).

At 78, Ms. Loren (a grandmother) is still radiant, active, and sexy!

Ms. Loren was born in Rome, Italy.

When she was 14, Loren entered a beauty contest in Naples and was selected as one of the finalists.

Shortly thereafter, she enrolled in an acting class - and subsequently - was cast as an extra in "Quo Vadis" (1951 film by Mervyn LeRoy).

The cameo launched her career!

Tonight, the Academy will screen clips from Ms. Loren's long distinguished film career, and tout her as a film great.

Congrats, Ms. Loren!

http://www.thetattler.biz






Lindsay Lohan...sentenced to 120 days in jail! Probation Violation!



Lindsay "brazen" according to Judge!



Poor Lindsay Lohan!

Today, on what was supposed to be "Good" Friday, the tables turned against her.

I guess you could say the down-on-her luck film star got crucified!

After the prosecutor submitted evidence to the court at a hearing today, and arguments were vigorously offered up by her defense lawyer, the Judge ruled against the "Mean Girls" star.

The bench warmer noted in open court that it was his finding that Lohan violated her probation.

In spite of the fact the charge on the "alleged theft of a necklace" was reduced to a misdemeanor, the troubled drug-adled starlet was sentenced to 120 days in jail for failing to abide by the terms of her probation.

In addition to the jail sentence, Ms. Lohan has been ordered to serve 400 hours of community service - most of which - must be completed at a woman's center.

In a curious twist, a portion of the community service must be completed at the local morgue.

Was the Judge sending a hint to Ms. Lohan?

"This is what may come to pass if you don't alter your path to self-destruction."

At the end of the hearing, the defendant was led away by a posse of bailiffs at the Courthouse.

Lohan's attorney, Shawn Holley, said she will appeal the ruling which will allow the actress to post bail which was set at $75,000

For those who weren't counting, this will be Lohan's fourth visit to the local pokey to serve time.

Lohan entered a not guilty plea in respect to the theft charge before she exited the courtroom.

Bottom line?

Sautner noted in court that he based the jail sentence on a determination that there had been intent.

 "I see a level of brazenness with - "Let me see what I can get away with here" - he stated matter-of-fact to the hushed courtroom.

Ms. Lohan sat stone-faced when the Judge issued the ruling.

Wonder what she's thinking behind bars tonight?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Lindsay Lohan...Mafia made offer Director couldn't refuse! Gotti tale to lens soon!

 



Well - there has been quite a flurry of frenzied industry and media attention around Lindsay Lohan over the past few days - in an arena where the sultry drug-adled actress aches for recognition!

The off-again on-again casting of Ms. Lohan in the John Gotti film bio has caused quite a few tongues to wag!

Wouldn't you agree?

Initially, the rumors circulated that the nose-candy taster- oh, so extraordinaire - might have been too much of an insurance risk for the brass at the studio to handle in the throes of her troubles with the long arm of the law.

If you're a Lindsay Lohan fan - or, even not, for that matter - then you're probably familiar with the ongoing saga (of soap opera proportions) that has dragged on in respect to the Gotti project.

Will she or won't she?

Play the role, silly!

The latest word from the director's chair is "yes". Well, sort of.

Although she wasn't cast in the challenging part she pined for, Lindsay will be using her considerable acting chops to carve out a niche for herself in a lesser role on the Gotti project.

Initially, the inexperienced auteur nixed bringing the "Mean Girls" star on board, on the grounds that Ms. Lohan's handlers were making too many demands on behalf of the sexpot.

But, in the end scenario, he capitulated.

Did some goon make him an offer he couldn't refuse?

Uh-huh!

There may have been some strings pulled behind-the-scenes - by Gotti's "people" - just betcha!

Think about it!

Last week, when John Travolta appeared on a night-time talk show to plug the flick, a few pertinent details slipped from his lips unexpectedly.

When asked if Lindsay was slated to play a role, the "Hairspray" star responded in no uncertain terms.

Not only was the frequent jailbird right for the part - the fact she grew up with the "Gotti's" - might factor in.

Did the Director wake up one morning with the head of his prize-winning horse on the pillow next to his nose totally out-of-whack?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Type casting?

John Travolta...indiscreet gay flirting! Kelly Preston ignores snub at trendy diner!



John led around by end of his co**!

According to a gossip-monger at one of the Gay Tabloid Rags, John Travolta's hunger for the sexy companionship of handsome young studs has escalated to the point where he's become shockingly indiscreet in front of his dotting wife and strangers in public.

The mind-boggling tell-all alleges that - at a trendy watering hole in LA LA LAND recently - the former "Saturday Night Fever" star made a blatant pass at a male waiter under the altruistic guise of wanting to "open doors" for the kid who is apparently trying to break into the biz.

Well, on the surface, it appears that the old "casting couch" is alive and well in Hollywood!

Before exiting the chic eatery - and as his wife twiddled-her-thumbs non-plussed across-the-table - John tried to fanagle the telephone number for the up-and-coming (wrong choice of words?) actor.

"Maybe I can help you get a start in film," the aging Lothario (who hangs out in steam rooms at a local gym where he lets it all hang-out) slyly gushed in so many words.

It was pretty much a given that John's overt pass was transparent - enough so - that the other diners supping nearly nearby within earshot (and sight) were aghast.

Couldn't the star have waited 'til Kelly dashed off to the restroom - or headed to the Valet - before lusting after the dude?

In contrast, I crossed paths with a famous actor a few years ago, who exhibited a lot more class (and sensitivity towards his date's feelings) in that regard.

I was in the parking lot at the back of the Globe Theatre one night in full costume - practising my lines before I dashed on stage in Act II - when the star of one of Aaron Spelling's Night-time Soaps trotted out to his parked car with a girlfriend in tow after dining at Hugo's restaurant next door in WeHo.

When our eyes met, it was obvious we were both smitten, but the hottie just gave a wink and moved along (his gal pal none-the-wiser).

After he drove off, I fantasized a bit about what may-have-been.

Then - lo & behold - he returned out-of-the-blue a short while later alone!

"I forgot my credit card," he grinned, as he hopped out of his pricey auto and dashed into the restaurant to allegedly retrieve it.

A few moments later, when he strolled back into the lot, he made a pass right-off-the-bat.

The impromptu clinch was as thrilling (and wild) as a romantic scene in a screwball comedy feature!

Without a moment's hesitation, we hopped into the front seat of my car excitedly, and started to fool around (as best we could under the passionate circumstances).

You see - I was hindered by the fact - I was attired in stockings and lace-up-boots to the knee.

Uh-huh!

I was performing in a period piece - EDWARD III (at the Globe Theatre) - and in full costume!

And, to make matters more maddening, I was required to trot on stage in about ten minutes flat for  my first entrance of the evening.

Needless to say, it was the quickie of all time, even if I do say so myself.

Although the handsome actor (Timothy Patrick Murphy) passed away a few years ago - memories of our brief encounter - often loom large in my dusty old memories (and still make my heart go pitter-patter).

Heh, John, you need to be a little more creative, eh?

Otherwise, the tongues will be wagging all over the town - you'll be on the front page of the trashy Nataional
Enquirer - and Kelly will be filing for divorce.

And, you thought Charlie Sheen was on a slippery slope to hell!

Final parting advice?

Stop being led around by your co**, John, it may get 'ya into serious trouble one of these days.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Sexy cutie turned heads!

The Bee Gees...insightful documentary "In our Own Time" release Nov. 16th! Mythology 4 Box set!

 

Whenever the classic scene from "Saturday Night Fever" suddenly bursts onto a screen - whether at a revival Movie House or on the old boob tube (featuring a svelte John Travolta swivelling his hips and getting down with a flourish of intoxicating seductive moves on the dance floor at the local Disco) viewers can't help but tap their foot to the catchy beat of the tune as they are magically uplifted to a joyous euphoric high.

Ah, such was the potent power of the song-writer ability of the talented Bee Gees who skyrocketed to fame and fortune in the heady 60's and 70's during a novelty era when London was the very heartbeat - and dizzying center - of musical trends, fashion, and style.

The Brothers Gibb churned out a bevy of chart-topping hits - not only for themselves - but for a handful of celebrated musicals artists as well such as Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, and Kenny Rogers.

Now, friends at Eagle Rock Entertainment have informed me that they are releasing a revealing documentary - "In Our Own Time" - which chronicles the personal and professional lives of Maurice, Barry, and Robin.
The producer's have promised that the journey will be an insightful thought-provoking one that will ultimately delivery up a commentary on the popular band's spectacular highs and earth-shattering lows in a topsy-turvy world where performers often dance precariously close to the jaws of an abyss.

In addition, the documentary will take an in-depth look at the intrigues surrounding Andy Gibb's untimely demise and his long-standing dream to become a bona-fide Bee Gee alongside his legendary older brothers.

Coincidentally, last night as I prepared to pen this post, I stumbled upon the Bee Gees star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (in front of the Kodak Theatre) which was installed a few years back with the blessings of an appreciative industry (a hop-and-a-skip away from Michael Jackson's star in front of the Mann's Chinese Theatre on the strip).

And, ironically, I found myself singing along to a Bee Gee tune the other morning in San Francisco, in Starbucks down at Fisherman's Wharf.

I started a joke

That started the whole world crying
But i didn't see...
That the joke was on me

I started to cry
That started the whole world laughing
If I'd only seen
That the joke was on me

I looked at the skies
Running my hands over my eyes
I fell out of bed
And hurt my head from the things that i said

I finally died
That started the whole world living
If I'd only seen
That the joke was on me

I Started a Joke
The Bee Gees

Oh, so dramatic!

And, who could forget those falsetto harmonies?

If you recall, the Bee Gees facilitated a song-styling rarely used so effectively!

The documentary is being released on November 16th (2010).

The film will also be broadcast on A & E on November 20th (2010).

In tandem with the broadcast, Mythology - a 4-disc set - will be released by Rhino Entertainment.

Can't wait, can you?

Maybe if I twist an arm or two at Eagle Rock, they'll offer up some freebies, as they have done in the past.

Stay posted, in that event!

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz/