Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Showbiz Tonight for July 15, 2005, CNNHN
Aired July 15, 2005 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KARYN BRYANT, CO-HOST: I`m Karyn Bryant.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: And I`m A.J. Hammer. TV`s only live entertainment news show starts right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, welcome back "Potter." The countdown to "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." We`re live in London, where the book is already out.
Plus, the frenzy, the record-breaking print run, the accidental advance copies, and an early review from -- the pope?
BRYANT (voice-over): A major video game controversy. You probably know "Grand Theft Auto" involves some violence, but porn? Word is out about a secret trick that has parents seething. Tonight, our "Showbiz Showdown": should the government take control?
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Donny Osmond. In the `70s they called it "Puppy Love." In the `90s he was a "Soldier of Love." Oh yes, and he fit a talk show in there somehow, too. We`ll find out what he`s up to these days. Donny Osmond joins us on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, as we wrap up our "Showbiz Flashback" series.
TERI HATCHER, ACTRESS: Hi, I`m Teri Hatcher. If it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BRYANT: Hello, I`m Karyn Bryant.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight we`re following two major stories at the top of our show.
BRYANT: Well, it is past midnight in London and you are looking at a live picture right now. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" has already gone on sale. Fans are racing to get their copies. We are live there, and also here in the states, where wizard wannabes are waiting to get their little muggle hands on it, A.J.
HAMMER: They are, Karyn.
But first, a developing story tonight. Angelina Jolie suffering, her baby daughter, just adopted, hospitalized with life-threatening illnesses.
BRYANT: Exclusive details you`ll find nowhere else but here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Our own Jason Carroll has been working the phones all day.
Jase, what`s the story?
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Karyn and A.J., let me tell what you we know so far. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned that baby Sahara had salmonella infection, a life-threatening illness, and was released this afternoon from New York Presbyterian Cornell Hospital.
I actually just got off the phone with the doctor, Dr. Jane Aronson (ph), who treated the baby, and she told me she had been in the hospital for a week under their care. And she told me, quote, "If this baby had not been adopted by this family, she would have died."
According to Dr. Aronson (ph), she contracted the infection in the Ethiopian orphanage and was suffering from dehydration and malnutrition when she arrived in the United States. But she also told me baby Sahara is, quote, "a fighter. She`s a happy, bright, lovely, responsive baby with a wonderful family."
Baby Sahara actually gained one pound while she was in the hospital.
Now, you may recall that Sahara joins Jolie`s 3-year-old son, Maddox, who Jolie has said loves Africa and had been asking for an African brother or sister. The two, along with Angelina`s, quote, "good friend" Brad Pitt, went to Africa last month to adopt the baby. Angelina made clear she is adopting as a single mom and it`s something she had been talking about for some time now.
Just the other day Brad Pitt himself checked into a Los Angeles hospital, complaining of flu-like symptoms. Doctors ran a battery of tests and diagnosed him with viral meningitis, but Doctor Aronson (ph) confirmed with me that Pitt`s illness has no connection to baby Sahara.
Karyn, back to you.
BRYANT: Thanks very much. CNN`s Jason Carroll.
Now on to Potter mania. The newest book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," is released at midnight tonight, and fans are lining up to snag the first copies.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s David Haffenreffer is lined up right along with him. We`re going to join him live now in a New York City book store.
How goes it, David?
DAVID HAFFENREFFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Karyn. Yes, busy night here tonight.
Did you know that the Harry Potter book series has sold more than 270 million books in 62 different languages? It`s no wonder that there`s so much commotion not only here at this New York City book store but also around the world as this new edition is released tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAFFENREFFER (voice-over): Muggles and wizards take note, at midnight tonight the new Harry Potter book drops.
Well, we doesn`t mean drop that way. The sixth of the seventh part series about a boy wizard and his friends is unleashed tonight, and it`s already working its magic on Harry Potter fans.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know. I`m so excited.
HAFFENREFFER: And on late night TV.
JAY LENO, HOST, NBC`s "THE TONIGHT SHOW": And more problems for Karl Rove. Now he`s accused of leaking the plot of the new Harry Potter book. Yes, that`s sad.
HAFFENREFFER: The book is called "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," and its release at midnight tonight is the culmination of the biggest launch ever.
JEROME KRAMER, "THE BOOK STANDARD": All the big guys are talking about it being the biggest ever. I think Amazon is already talking about 1.4 million presales. Barnes & Noble is saying they`re going to sell more copies of this than they have any title in their history.
HAFFENREFFER: The Harry Potter franchise has been worth several pots of money. The Harry Potter books have sold 270 million copies. The three Harry Potter movies have grossed more than $2.6 billion.
Expect a new round of Potter-mania when the fourth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" hits theaters this fall.
Not everyone is a Harry Potter fan. Pope Benedict reportedly told a German writer two years ago that he`s worried that Harry Potter books erode Christianity in the souls of young people.
But it`s clear that Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of legions of young fans, who will always be wild about Harry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What do you like about the Harry Potter books?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just about everything.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAFFENREFFER: And you know, as people do count down and wait for the release of this particular book tonight -- and people are waiting here tonight, just about five hours or so until the book is released.
But despite all the heavy security, some of the books have managed to leak out into the public. A grocery store up in Canada, for example, accidentally sold about 10 copies of this book. And a drugstore in upstate New York sold one copy. Despite all that, we understand the secrets and surprises of this book do remain safe.
Karyn, back to you.
BRYANT: All right. Very good. Thanks very much, David Haffenreffer in New York.
HAMMER: Tonight, there`s a storm brewing over the new film, "The Dukes of Hazzard." A star from the popular TV show in the late `70s and early `80s is now urging families stay away from the film remake that`s hitting theaters on August 5.
Former Georgia Congressman Ben Jones, he played Cooter Davenport, the wisecracking mechanic on the TV show, says the film is ruining the reputation of the classic.
Ben Jones joins us on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s a pleasure to meet you.
BEN JONES, ACTOR/POLITICIAN: Crazy Cooter coming at you.
HAMMER: Good to see you, Cooter.
JONES: You got your ears on, A.J.?
HAMMER: I got my ears on and I`m dying to know exactly what is your core concern with the film.
JONES: Our show is a great success story. For 26 years, it`s still a hit show. CMT has it now. It`s getting the highest ratings in the history of that network. Twenty-three million people watched it on its opening weekend, and most of them were kids who love this show. The kids think it`s a new show.
This film -- those kids -- that film can`t even be shown on television, you know? The FCC won`t allow that film to be shown on primetime television.
Our show had a reputation for good, clean, family fun. And it was a well-earned reputation. We took great care. We were very responsible towards the audiences and the people of the heartland of America. This film mocks that. It doesn`t have the spirit of our show. And it doesn`t have the values of our show.
HAMMER: Certainly, the show was set in real time back in the late `70s, early `80s. The film is set in 2005. And as you`ve been talking about this over the past few days, I`m sure people are bringing up, you know, the sexiness and the innuendo that existed in your show, albeit perhaps subtle but maybe more appropriate for then.
Is it not fair to say that the film studio sort of has the creative license in 2005 to do something that is maybe more reflective of current times? And it`s also in theaters with a rating.
JONES: It`s unfortunate that is reflective of modern times. That, you know, what was inappropriate then is considered to be appropriate now.
They have the license. In fact, they own that show. So obviously, they`re doing it and they`re doing it without any of the original cast, none of us, writers, crew, anybody have anything to do with this project.
But they also have a responsibility to America`s families. They`re out marketing these toys to little kids. And these are kids who cannot even see this movie. What we`re concerned about is that. And it`s a PG- 13. I understand it`s as close to an "R" as you can get.
What we want them to do is clean it up so America`s families can go to see this show without worrying about what their kids can see.
HAMMER: Which, you realize, is probably unrealistic.
JONES: No, I hear they`re reshooting stuff now. It`s real easy to do. You just go into an editing room and you do the TV version. And that`s what you show in the theaters. And America`s families can go to see it, and we would be more supportive of it.
HAMMER: Well, at the same time, if that doesn`t happen you are, at least, getting the message out. And people should be smart enough to differentiate between the classic television and the movie.
JONES: Not -- they are spending $30 million marketing this to America`s kids.
HAMMER: That makes it more difficult.
JONES: I`m one guy. They got $30 million.
HAMMER: Well, have you heard from any of the other cast members from the original show? Have they chimed in on this?
JONES: Yes, they sure have. And you know, we`re a solid group.
HAMMER: All right. Ben Jones, it`s a pleasure to meet you. And please come back and join us another time so I can just say, "Welcome back, Cooter." Always wanted to say that.
JONES: Thank you, A.J. You the man.
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reached out to Warner Brothers for comment. It produced the movie "Dukes of Hazzard." We`ve not heard back from them.
BRYANT: Secret porn in a very popular video game? And the government may have the final word. That is next in the "showbiz Showdown."
HAMMER: Plus, want to spend the night with Owen and Vince? We`ll get a "Wedding Crashers" review, coming up in "Picks and Pans."
BRYANT: And Donny Osmond, in the "Showbiz Flashback." We ask him what`s on his iPod, coming up.
Now, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Ewan McGregor is a former roommate of which actor? Is it Josh Hartnett, Matt Damon, Jude Law, or Clive Owen? We`ll be right back with the answer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BRYANT: Again, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Ewan McGregor is a former roommate of which actor? Josh Hartnett, Matt Damon, Jude Law, or Clive Owen? The answer is C, Jude law.
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
Hilary Swank and Kevin Costner have signed on to narrate a documentary film all about September 11. Today, Swank said she was in lower Manhattan when the World Trade Center was attacked and is proud to be telling the story of these survivors and their families. Costner said that film is honest and serious and not at all political. It`s called "On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report" and will tell five survivors reports and look at the 9/11 Commission`s recommendations.
BRYANT: Time now for a "Showbiz Showdown." Tonight, graphic video games. Should the government get involved?
Today the best selling video game, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," is generating a lot of controversy over a downloadable catch that unlocks sexually explicit material, so explicit we can`t even show it to you tonight.
It is still a mystery who is responsible, but the free download and the content of games in general have drawn attention of politicians. Senators Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman are campaigning for stricter regulations on the video game industry, but we wonder is this the answer?
Joining us live for discussion tonight, in Los Angeles, Tim Winter. He is the executive director of the Parents Television Council. And here in New York, Matt Schneiderman from the tech magazine "Sync."
Now Matt, I want to just have you set this up for us. A lot of people don`t know what these mods or patches are. Can you give us sort of a quick 20-second briefing on those?
MATT SCHNEIDERMAN, "SYNC" MAGAZINE: Absolutely. I mean, this is specifically for the PC version of the game.
Basically, you can go onto the Internet and do a quick Google search and find a way to unlock some of these pretty explicit passages from the game. But again, this is certainly not for the console versions of the game, and it has nothing to do -- and this is not a product of the actual game. This is something that you get off of the Internet, like a lot of stuff.
BRYANT: OK. So, Tim, what was your reaction, then, when found out about this modification?
TIM WINTER, PARENTS TELEVISION COUNCIL: Well, Karyn, obviously, we were shocked to see how graphic this content was. We were not surprised. The whole franchise of "Grand Theft Auto" has four generations of products been very graphic, very violent, very sexual, very sexist, very racist. But even this surprised us when we saw the video.
BRYANT: But isn`t this a game for grownups? Tim?
WINTER: It is -- it is absolutely and only a game for grownups. And unfortunately, the developers and the publishers of this video game are making many millions of dollars selling and marketing it to kids.
BRYANT: Do you believe that?
SCHNEIDERMAN: It`s absolutely not being marketed to kids. This is a game that is for adults. It says "mature" on it on the box right there. Now, the only reason a kid would be able to purchase this game is if he went in with a parent. It`s more likely that he`s got an R-rated film than it is that he bought a game like this at the video store.
WINTER: Matt, you know -- you know that the industry`s attempt at self-regulating this is an absolute abysmal failure. We have proven it. Our organization has proven it.
Even the government, when they sent in secret shoppers to see how many kids could buy some of these mature-rated video games, it was over half were able to do so. The medical evidence is conclusive: this stuff is harmful to children`s brains.
SCHNEIDERMAN: The kids -- the kids that get this game -- the kids that get this game are going to get it. The point is if they have their parents with them or if they do it by themselves. But this is not a game for children. Parents should be responsible for what their kids play and how they spend their time after school.
WINTER: Yes, they should. You bet they should be responsible.
BRYANT: Tim, let`s talk about that. Because, you know, this game does cost upwards of $50. So a lot of children cannot go in and buy this. It is something that their parents have to help them out with money for this.
What about the idea, though, of Hillary Clinton getting involved, saying that the government should be, you know, giving stricter regulations to the video game industry? Do you really believe that that`s the answer?
WINTER: It is absolutely part of the answer. Of course, parents are the front line, and they have to be. I agree with Matt on that point.
The problem is we have proven time and again that kids are able to, without parental -- without parental involvement, to go in and buy these games. The industry`s self-regulation is a failure. The medical evidence is conclusive that this stuff is harmful to them.
I think Senator Clinton is absolutely right to do what she`s doing. Senator Lieberman is correct, as is Senator -- excuse me, Governor Voinovich of Illinois, who`s signing a bill on Tuesday prohibiting the sale of violent, ultra violent games to minors. Michigan is on the right track. This is across the nation.
SCHNEIDERMAN: Again, we`re talking about regulations that could very easily be taken care of by parents just being parents. I mean, you`re asking them to put dollars of government money towards something that basically is regulated better than DVD sales.
WINTER: And would you -- would you say the same thing for alcohol? Well, the parent should decide whether or not? No, you put -- you put a double responsibility, of course, first and foremost on the parent, but the retailers have to have an active involvement.
SCHNEIDERMAN: These are -- these are video games that are far and away not anything to be, like, even compared with tobacco and firearms.
WINTER: I disagree.
BRYANT: Now, Matt, I have a question for you. Matt, I want to jump in here. Do you think the video game will do anything different in light of this?
SCHNEIDERMAN: This -- again, this is a totally unrelated, you know, part of this game. At no point did the producers of this video game decide that "We are going to include this explicit content." This is probably the work of a hacker who did it online for him and his friends, and it just happened to have spread wildfire.
If anything, I think it`s brought attention to the fact parents don`t know what`s in their video games. If it was an explicit scene that was in the version you could buy at the store, they probably wouldn`t be aware. I`m glad that this sort of unfortunate development is bringing this to the forefront. Parents should know what`s in these games.
BRYANT: Right. All right. And with that, gentlemen, we have to end it tonight, although of course, I know that this debate does rage on. Tim Winter from the Parents Television Council, Matt Schneider from "Sync" magazine, we thank you.
And now we want to hear from you at home. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Graphic video games: should the government get involved? You can vote at CNN.com/SHOWBIZTONIGHT. You can also send e- mails to us at SHOWBIZTONIGHT@CNN.com. We`ll read some of your thoughts later in the show.
HAMMER: Time now for the "Showbiz Guide," where throughout the week, we help you decide where to best spend your bucks on movies, music, DVDs and more. And tonight it`s "People Magazine`s Picks and Pans," new movies, talking about "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Wedding Crashers," and "Happy Endings," are all in theaters this weekend. And joining us to talk about them here in New York, "People" magazine movie critic Leah Rozen.
Nice to see you, as always, Leah.
LEAH ROZEN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Thank you, A.J.
HAMMER: Everybody gets a little apprehensive when somebody makes a classic that was so beloved and so successful like "The Chocolate Factory." What`s your take?
ROZEN: I think a new generation will probably enjoy this "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." But how do I say this? Timing is everything. And as an adult, as you`re watching this sort of grown man with this Prince Valiant haircut, weird, high voice, wearing this velvet coat, you`re just thinking Michael Jackson. You`re just going, "Why are they making the Michael Jackson story?"
HAMMER: The one comment that comes back from a lot of people is that it`s a much darker "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
ROZEN: It`s darker because the director is Tim Burton.
HAMMER: Tim Burton.
ROZEN: He embraces this dark vision. It starts off very well. Then you just get the sense it`s over-produced. He had too big a budget at his disposal. It`s one big production number after another. And they all sort of look like Devo`s "Whip it Good" video.
HAMMER: OK.
ROZEN: And you`re just kind of going, "Huh?"
HAMMER: All right. Well, let`s move on to one of two R-rated movies we`re talking about today. This could be a first. "Wedding Crashers," which, while pretty filthy at times, I thought was hilarious.
ROZEN: I agree with you. I liked "Wedding Crashers." You know, hey, nothing elegant about this one, despite the fact they`re wearing tuxedos, but it is raunchy fun. The jokes were -- it`s 20 minutes too long. What movie isn`t these days? But Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn just have this great buddy thing going in the movie. Liked "Wedding Crashers."
HAMMER: And it`s got some heart, too.
ROZEN: Yes, it does.
HAMMER: Let`s move on. Let`s end it all with "Happy Endings." In limited release this weekend, opening wide in a couple of weeks. Also "R"- rated. And Tom Arnold in this one.
ROZEN: Yes, this is one of these ensemble comedy dramas, directed and written by Don Roos, who did "Opposite of Sex." This is a good movie. You know, I recommend this one. Not everyone in the movie gets a happy ending, but I think the audience will.
And Lisa Kudrow just gets another amazing performance. There is no one who can sort of suggest smart women who do dumb things better than Lisa Kudrow.
HAMMER: And she`s always great in the indie films.
As always, Leah Rozen, nice to see you. Have a good weekend.
ROZEN: Thank you. You, too.
HAMMER: And for more "Picks and Pans," just check out the new issue of "People" magazine. It is on newsstands now.
BRYANT: They`ve been talking all day and we`ve been listening. Now, as we do every night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the best from today`s talk shows.
So you might remember that fuzzy little interactive toy a few years ago called the Furby? Well, they have made a new and improved version, although it doesn`t look like Regis and Kelly will be buying one any time soon. Here`s "Live with Regis and Kelly."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REGIS PHILBIN, CO-HOST, ABC`S "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": Hey, Furby.
ROBOTIC VOICE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
PHILBIN: What?
Sing us a song.
KELLY RIPA, CO-HOST, ABC`S "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": Sing us a song, Furby. Sing us a song, Furby.
PHILBIN: Sing a song to us, Furby
RIPA: Sing us a song or I swear to God I`ll throw you into the river.
PHILBIN: Wait a minute. Furby, we want a song, not your ears. Furby! How do you like that?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Monday on "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kelly Monaco.
HAMMER: Poor little Furby.
Jon Stewart weighs in on Harry Potter mania, coming up in "Laughter Dark." BRYANT: Plus, Tom and Katie`s summer romance lands them on the front page of another magazine. And psychologists even have a name for what`s up with them. We`ll hear all about it, coming up.
HAMMER: And the former teen idol who`s obsessed with a ubiquitous tech gadget. We`ll find out which one. Donny Osmond here in our series, "Showbiz Flashback," coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: It`s time to get your laugh on in "Laughter Dark." As we do every night, we bring you the late night laughs you might have missed.
BRYANT: It is no secret that the new "Harry Potter" is in high demand, but what measures, A.J., will it take to keep these books secure before the midnight release? Well, Jon Stewart knows, on "The Daily Show."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON STEWART, COMEDY CENTRAL`S "THE DAILY SHOW": Americans are doing a better job of guarding the one thing that truly needs protecting: children`s fiction. Book stores have implemented extraordinary security measures to maintain the sanctity of tomorrow`s midnight release of J.K. Rowling`s "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," including restricting employee access to stock rooms and sealing the crates with chains that have to be opened with bolt cutters. Or magic!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Next week on "The Daily Show, "The Washington Post`s" Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
BRYANT: On "Late Night with Conan O`Brien," Conan looked into the future -- this is a great segment that he does -- with the help of Alec Baldwin.
HAMMER: Among the things they predicted, Mr. T`s new career ambitions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONAN O`BRIEN, HOST, NBC`S "LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O`BRIEN": After getting more in touch with his feminine side, Mr. T will open a hair salon called "I Pretty the Fool."
LA BAMBA, TROMBONE PLAYER (singing): In the year 2000.
ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: A movie will be made about all the people who find Conan O`Brien funny. The movie title, "The Fantastic Four."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Tonight on "Conan," Owen Wilson and The Wallflowers.
HAMMER: Well, coming up next, we`re going live to London, where the new "Harry Potter" book is already out.
BRYANT: Plus, Donny Osmond is trying something new. After 54 albums, he`s doing something on his latest that he`s never done before. He tells us all about it, coming up in our "Showbiz Flashback" series.
HAMMER: Also, Russell Crowe tries to phone home and lands in court. It`s not exactly been the summer of love. He`s not the only example; celebrity weirdness abounds this season. We`re going to try to get to the bottom of it, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOPHIA CHOI, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR: Hello. I`m Sophia Choi. And here`s your headlines.
Well, sources tell CNN traces of an explosive have been found in an apartment in Leeds, England. And the man renting that apartment, an Egyptian-born biochemist, has been detained in connection with the London bombing probe. He denies any role in the attack.
Well, the man accused of being Osama bin Laden`s personal driver and bodyguard will be tried by a military tribunal. A federal appeals court has ruled the judicial process at Guantanamo Bay is valid. The ruling reversed an earlier decision that said facing a military tribunal would violate his rights.
When you think of eating disorders, you probably think of them as being strictly a female problem. But in fact, millions of men have them, too. We`ll introduce you to a recovered binge-eater who`s trying to help others overcome the urge to eat.
It`s all part of "PRIME NEWS TONIGHT`s" Friday night investigation, airing at 9:00 and 12:00 Eastern.
I`m Sophia Choi. Now back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
BRYANT: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, welcome back, Potter. The latest Harry Potter book hits shelves here in just a few hours, but we`ve got the worldwide Harry situation covered already. We`ve got that live.
HAMMER: And from a wizard to the Oz, Donny Osmond, the `70s teen idol does something he`s never done before. Find out what it is as our "Showbiz Flashback" series wraps up with Donny Osmond.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARCIA CROSS, ACTRESS, "DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES": Hi, I`m Marcia Cross. If it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, TV`s only live entertainment news show. Thirty-one minutes past the hour, as we get into the weekend, I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: I`m Karyn Bryant. Here are tonight`s "Hot Headlines."
Tonight, we are learning that Angelina Jolie`s newly adopted baby has been sick with a life-threatening illness. Jolie`s daughter, Zahara, had a salmonella infection, as well as dehydration and malnutrition. The six- month-old newborn was released this afternoon from a New York hospital. Jolie adopted the baby from Ethiopia earlier this month.
HAMMER: And welcome back, Potter. "Harry Potter`s" back and in a big way. In just a short time from now, the sixth book in the J.K. Rowling series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," will go on sale here in the United States.
BRYANT: But in other parts of the world, the book is already available. And the lines out front of bookstores are staggering. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is right there with the frenzy that`s underway in London, of course, J.K. Rowling`s home country.
It is the middle of the night on Oxford Street. And CNN`s Becky Anderson is live there for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the latest -- Becky?
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That`s right. I probably shouldn`t be up, or nor should most of these kids who are in this Borders book stop here on Oxford Street.
This is the sixth book in the series. And do remember, 275 million copies of those first five books sold around the world, 18 million of them sold in the U.S. alone.
We`ve got our hands on the sixth version just here. Of course, now 200 countries around the world, 62 different languages, this book has been translated into. If you had any doubts that this Potter phenomenon is still with us, think again. There are big queues around this store and right down Oxford Street, as there are queues around bookstores across London today.
Let me just let you in on the first paragraph, if I will, in this, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Here we go, chapter one, "The Other Minister."
"It was nearing midnight, and the prime minister was sitting alone in his office reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind. He was waiting for a call from the president of a far distant country."
"And between wondering when the wretched man would telephone, and trying to suppress unpleasant memories of what had been a very long tiring and difficult week, there was not much space in his head for anything else."
The rest you have to wait for. Back to you guys.
BRYANT: Well, Becky, no, see, I`m a little impatient. Just give me the last line. I guess not.
I guess, A.J., you get your wish. I don`t get the last line of the Harry Potter book. Of course, that is Becky Anderson in London -- A.J.?
HAMMER: I think Harry Potter security got involved with our satellite signal there.
Well, speaking of strange things, a lot of strange things seem to be going on in the celebrity world lately. You`ve been paying attention. You saw that Russell Crowe allegedly hit a hotel employee with a phone. Tom Cruise, of course, as we`ve seen over and over, went a bit wild when he was jumping up and down on Oprah`s couch.
Well, get this. There`s actually possibly a psychological reason for all of this acting out. "New York" magazine is devoting their next cover story to it. And they`ve got the perfect picture on the cover. It`s called, "Celebrity Psychos: The Summer They All Went Mad."
And the psychological community now even has a medical term for what happens to celebrities. It`s called "acquired situational narcissism."
Joining us live on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the author of that "New York" magazine article, Vanessa Grigoriadis.
Vanessa, thanks for joining us.
VANESSA GRIGORIADIS, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE REPORTER: No problem.
HAMMER: Situational -- hold on, acquired situational narcissism. I can barely say it. Can you please explain it?
GRIGORIADIS: I think the idea is that, unlike classical narcissists, which, basically, is, you know, a pathological condition that happens in infancy, acquired situational narcissists are famous people who acquire this disorder by being surrounded by extensive entourages of people who just tell them what they want to -- you know, whatever they want is fine.
Any place that they go, they walk into the room and everybody just looks at them, you know? So they kind of stop looking back at people, because they realize, "Well, you know, I guess it`s all about me. You know, everybody is just focusing all of their attention on me. So it is all about me."
So the situation is fame. And that`s when the acquisition happens.
HAMMER: And to that end, you pose the question in your article, "Are the crazy drawn to fame or does fame make them crazy?" What is the reality there, or is it a little bit of both?
GRIGORIADIS: I think it`s a little bit of both. I mean, I think the idea is that, you know, if you have weren`t crazy before, you`re going to get crazy now.
I mean, there`s definitely evidence to show that people who go for fame are people who, in their childhoods had maybe a loss of a parent, had one parent who was terribly neglecting, and they, you know, felt that there was this hole in them. They need to fill that. And one way that they fill it is by making everybody love them.
HAMMER: I`m taking just a stab in the dark here, but the incident with Tom Cruise potentially had something to do with the impetus for writing this article.
GRIGORIADIS: Yes, maybe a little bit.
HAMMER: Is he just a classic case of what you`re talking about here? And what are his specific symptoms?
GRIGORIADIS: Well, I mean, I think the classic -- where Tom Cruise is classic is that he, you know, allegedly does not read his press. He doesn`t really care what everybody else is saying about him. He is not even totally clear that people have been making fun of him for the last month.
You know, he lives within a bubble. People take care of him. And you know, in some ways, that`s really the only way to be a celebrity now, because if you started listening to all the dreck (ph) that people are saying about you and seeing what people are saying in the tabloids, you know, you would just go nuts.
So, I mean, I guess you go nuts either way, in his case, but...
HAMMER: But sure enough, it`s going to lead to something. And I appreciate your insight on this. It`s a fascinating read. Set aside a little extra time for it, because it`s a pretty in-depth read. And I appreciate you stepping by, Vanessa Grigoriadis. The "New York" magazine article, "Celebrity Psychos," in the issue which will be out on Monday -- Karyn?
BRYANT: Tonight, one of the biggest videogames out there is coming under fire from U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman. The reason? Well, apparently, you can download a modification for the game which unlocks hidden pornographic content.
So we are asking you: "Graphic video games: Should the government get involved?" You can vote at CNN.com/showbiztonight. You can also write to us at showbiztonight@CNN.com. Your e-mails are coming up at 54 past the hour.
HAMMER: Well, coming up, more "Welcome Back Potter." And we just love saying it anyway. We`re going to hear from the author herself, J.K. Rowling.
BRYANT: Plus, hear why some Harry Potter fans can`t wait to literally get their fingers on a copy of the book. Find out next.
HAMMER: And will there be a new generation of singing Osmonds? Seventies teen idol Donny Osmond`s going to tell us. Our "Showbiz Flashback" series wraps up in just moments.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
As America eagerly awaits the bewitching hour and the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," muggles across the pond are already rejoicing as the clock struck midnight tonight. From Scotland`s Edinburgh Castle, author J.K. Rowling read to 70 lucky children from her sixth and latest "Potter" novel.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J.K. ROWLING, AUTHOR: "Harry could not get near the shelves. He stared around, looking up at the boxes piled to the ceiling. Here were the skiving snack boxes that the twins had perfected during their last unfinished year at Hogwarts. Harry noticed that Nosebleed Nugget was the most popular, with only one battered box left on the shelf."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A great night for the kids as they arrived on horse-driven stage coaches and then Rowling took the time to sign books for fans outside. Each of the children received a copy of the book from Rowling herself. The event is being shown live to patrons at Manhattan Barnes and Noble where the voice of Rowling`s Harry Potter books, Jim Dale, is hosting a book release party.
Well, here`s a side of the Harry Potter empire you may not have heard about. In the "Show`s Biz" tonight, some had to wait a bit longer for that Potter fix, but that`s about to change. And back here to tell us why, CNN correspondent Jason Carroll.
Jason, what`s this all about?
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., in the next few days, while Potter fans everywhere will be talking about J.K. Rowling`s latest adventure, the publisher has rushed to get thousands of books to those who had to wait in the past.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CARROLL (voice-over): They`re off the conveyer belts, shot by photographers. Security`s tight. Fans everywhere, like these children, anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
(on-screen): Who`s a Harry Potter fan? Just raise your hand.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m a Harry Potter fiend.
CARROLL: A Harry Potter fiend?
(voice-over): These Potter fiends know all about the midnight magic parties at bookstores on the eve of a new Potter release. They cringe when their sighted friends, those who can see, get the books first.
(on-screen): What was that like for you guys having to wait?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was so annoying.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s so annoying.
CARROLL (voice-over): All of these children are blind students at the Perkins School in Watertown, Massachusetts. Eddie Tabor says he usually can`t get Braille or audio copies of a new Potter book until weeks or months after it`s released.
EDDIE TABOR, STUDENT: Everyone else can be talking about the book, and they get to read it right away. And we`re like just sitting there, like, "Oh, come on. I want my copy."
CARROLL: Michelle Smith has been told she looks like Potter`s friend, Hermione. And so she likes to follow what happens to Hermione, but she prefers to read it in Braille, not listen to it on audio tape.
(on-screen): What`s the difference to you between listening and reading it?
MICHELLE SMITH, STUDENT: Sometimes you miss -- you like miss the punctuation marks. And so you don`t know who`s saying it.
JUDI CANNON, PERKINS SCHOOL LIBRARIAN: This is the book of the season.
CARROLL (voice-over): Judi Cannon is the school`s librarian.
CANNON: Everyone`s going to be talking about this book. And one of the important things, as being a blind person, is to participate in those discussions. It`s very, very important.
CARROLL: So important, the book`s publisher put aside concerns the plot would get out and gave the National Braille Press an advanced copy to be translated.
WILLIAM RAEDER, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS: It`s a mighty good feeling to get this out in a timely fashion.
CARROLL: This time, Harry Potter in Braille will be released almost at the same time as the written version, just a day or two following it. The Braille version is nine volumes long, each one containing about 130 pages. That adds up to nearly 1,200 pages, twice the number of the written version.
(on-screen): You`ve got in your hot possession here what a lot of people want to, you know, take a look at and get their hands on. I think a lot of people are going to -- you know, are shocked that we`re this close to it.
RAEDER: We`re this close.
ASHLEY BERNARD, STUDENT: The thin man stepped out of the cauldron staring at Harry.
CARROLL (voice-over): Very soon, Potter fans like Ashley Bernard can stop re-reading the last book and start talking with her classmates about the new one.
BERNARD: The day it comes out, everyone`s going crazy, so you know, I want to have it as fast as possible so that I can join in the talk.
CARROLL: Will Harry Potter finally defeat his nemesis, Voldemort? This time, wannabe wizards everywhere won`t have to wait to read what happens.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CARROLL: The nine volumes of "The Half-Blood Prince" in Braille weighs about 11 pounds. But for those who get to read it, it`s worth its weight in paper -- A.J.?
HAMMER: Great story, Jason. That`s exactly how it should be done. Thanks very much, CNN`s Jason Carroll.
BRYANT: ... "Flashback" all this week, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you some of your favorite music icons. We`re hearing great memories from the past, checking in on what they`re up to day, and having some fun while we`re at it.
Tonight, `70s teen heartthrob, Donny Osmond.
And I see you there. Hey, Donny. We`re going to be with you in a second.
DONNY OSMOND, ENTERTAINER: How are you, Karyn?
BRYANT: Hey, there.
First, we`re going to flashback.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRYANT: It was the early 1970s. And you had two bands of brothers, five Jacksons and five Osmonds. Donny first joined his singing siblings on the "Andy Williams Show."
ANDY WILLIAMS, HOST: What is your name?
OSMOND: Donny.
BRYANT: That led to "One Bad Apple," which was one big hit in 1971. Donny went solo that same year. "Go Away, Little Girl" went to number one, then "Puppy Love" followed.
Sister Marie came into the picture. With her, a little bit country, him a little bit rock `n` roll, the duo did well. In the late `70s, the two took on TV. Donny came back with a number-two hit in 1989.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BRYANT: And we`re going to talk to him now. Joining us from Oklahoma City where he`s getting set to perform tonight, Donny Osmond.
So I have to say, first and foremost, I watched "Donny and Marie" all the time.
OSMOND: Did you really?
BRYANT: I did.
OSMOND: Yes, so did I.
BRYANT: I thought it was great. Yes, so did you.
(LAUGHTER)
What`s interesting is, very often, if you talk to former teen stars, former stars in their youth, they don`t want to acknowledge what they have been and what they did. A lot of times you see people cringe at, "Oh, I don`t want to see that."
But you embrace it. Isn`t that true?
OSMOND: Well, it is very true. I mean, I went through that period, as well, though, Karyn, where I didn`t want anything to do with it. And then I -- I don`t know, I realized it was a great time in my life, a great career. I`m very lucky to still be doing this.
I`ve just released my 54th album. And when you go from "Puppy Love" to the current, I mean, you have so much to choose from on stage. And so I do acknowledge the past and embrace it.
And I guess the reason why I can do that is because the current`s working. You know, I didn`t realize way back then that I`d be promoting my 54th album worldwide.
BRYANT: Right.
OSMOND: So I`m very lucky, to be honest with you.
BRYANT: And what would you say if any of your children said -- or maybe they already have -- "Hey, Dad, I want to go in the biz."
(LAUGHTER)
OSMOND: Well, it`s a tough business, Karyn. You know, it takes a lot to establish a career. And it`s even harder to maintain a career.
But, like I just said, I`m one of the lucky few that has been able to make it work over the years. I mean, the fact that I just got this news that my single is number 18 with a bullet on the smooth jazz charts.
I mean, Donny Osmond played on smooth jazz. I didn`t think that would ever be possible, but it`s working. And so I`m very fortunate, very lucky. And you can also check it out on donny.com. It`s everywhere. So you can download it on donny.com.
BRYANT: Well, very good. And I want to get to the downloading in a minute, because I hear that you embrace technology, iPods, TiVos. You`re a fan of all that stuff?
OSMOND: I`m a BlackBerry guy, you know? Everything is very electronic. As a matter of fact, this album, a lot of it, was done over the Internet. My co-producers are over in England, and I live in Utah. So most of it was done through iSight videoconferencing, things like that.
But you`ve got to be careful to use it as tools, because at the end of the day, it`s the song, it`s the music. As we used to say when we were recording on vinyl, it has to be in the grooves, you know?
BRYANT: Absolutely.
OSMOND: So it`s all down to the music. And that`s -- Peter Gabriel told me that when he was involved in my career back in the `80s. He said, "You know what? Forget about image. Forget about all this, you know, the "Donny and Marie" show, and trying to change everything."
You know, it is what it is, and it`s been a great history. Make your music great, and move on from there.
BRYANT: Right. And so...
OSMOND: So from that point -- go ahead.
BRYANT: No, I was going to say, since you do embrace the technology, though, when you listen to your iPod, who are you listening to? What`s on there?
OSMOND: Donny Osmond.
BRYANT: Oh, yourself? OK, well, just keeping it in check, I guess.
(LAUGHTER)
OSMOND: No, I wish I had my iPod here. It is so eclectic. I mean, it goes from, I don`t know, Frank Sinatra to Hoobastank. I mean, and everybody in between. I mean, I have hard rock on there. Not a lot of polka on my iPod.
BRYANT: OK, yes. You know, also, my brother married a nice Polish girl. I did my first polka at their wedding not too -- it was exhausting.
OSMOND: I don`t think my 55th album will be the "Best of Polka" from Donny Osmond. It`s not going to be that.
BRYANT: Right, right.
OSMOND: But the nice thing about the current one, out of all these albums I`ve done, this is the first one that I`ve written and produced. So that`s why I`m on a world tour right now.
BRYANT: Well, thank you for joining us, Donny Osmond, joining us from Oklahoma City. The CD is called "What I Meant to Say," and it is in stores now.
HAMMER: There is still time for you to sound off in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. "Graphic video games: Should the government get involved?" You can vote by going to CNN.com/showbiztonight. Or you can write to us at showbiztonight@CNN.com. Some of your e-mails live, coming up next.
BRYANT: But first, it`s time for the "Entertainment Weekly" must list. Here are five things "EW" says you`ve got to check out this week.
First, see "Murderball." It`s a documentary about quadriplegic young men playing full-contact rugby. Be sure to leave your sympathy at home, because these warrior athletes don`t need it.
Next, "EW" says to look out for Missy Elliott`s new video. Her rambunctious sound will certainly make you "Lose Control." Then, let`s face it, nobody likes a "Cry Baby," unless, of course, it`s Johnny Depp. The director`s cut of the `50s-themed flick is new on DVD.
"EW" also says call your crew and cable company for some on-demand "Entourage" lost scenes. It`s a great show. And it`ll have everyone hugging it out in no time.
And finally, for the would-be supreme being in your life, the step-by- step guide on "How to Create a Flawless Universe in just Eight Days." It`s fully illustrated and fully funny.
So for more on the must list, pick up your copy of "Entertainment Weekly" on news stands now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: We have been asking to you vote online on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Question of the Day," which is: "Graphic video games: Should the government get involved?"
Well, here`s how the vote`s been going so far. Thirty-four percent of you say yes, the government should get involved. So 66 percent of you think that`s a bad idea.
We`ve gotten some e-mails on the subject, as well.
Heard from Raphael (ph) in California who writes, "The government has more important things to do. Anything that kids are exposed to is the responsibility of the parents." A point well-made in our "Showbiz Showdown" tonight.
But Lauren (ph), who is a 12-year-old, thinks the government should get involved. "There should be laws and prosecution of stores selling to minors, just as there is for alcohol."
You can keep voting at CNN.com/showbiztonight.
BRYANT: Well, it is time to see what`s playing on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT next week.
HAMMER: The Marquee Guy off for the weekend, so let`s take a look at the Showbiz Marquee. We`ll handle the business this time.
On Monday, this soldier just back from Iraq and he had a lot on his mind while he was over there, of course, so he decided to record a song. Now others are hearing his story. He`ll tell it to us in person on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Monday.
BRYANT: And all next week, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tells you everything you wanted to know about movies but were afraid to ask. How they make movie trailers, stunt secrets and more. We are "Movies Uncut," all next week on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: We`re cutting out of here, and you`re really cutting out of here.
BRYANT: I`m taking a vacation. So I`m going to miss you, but the lovely Brooke Anderson will be here.
HAMMER: That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: And I`m Karyn Bryant. Stay tuned for the latest from CNN Headline News.
SOPHIA CHOI, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR: Hello. I`m Sophia Choi. Let`s get to your "Headline Prime Newsbreak."
Well, NASA is pushing back the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. It had been hopeful of a weekend liftoff, but the agency now says the earliest possible timetable is late next week. Engineers need more time to figure out why a fuel gauge sensor malfunctioned, scrubbing Wednesday`s launch.
Hurricane Emily is losing some steam. Once a Category 4 storm, it`s now been downgraded to a Category 2 with winds over 105 miles an hour. It could hit the coast of Texas or Mexico next week.
When you think of eating disorders, you probably think of them as being strictly a female problem. But in fact, millions of men have them, too. We`ll introduce you to a recovered binge-eater who is trying to help others overcome the urge to overeat.
It`s all part of "PRIME NEWS TONIGHT`s" Friday night investigation. It airs at 9:00 and 12:00 Eastern.
That`s the news for now. I`m Sophia Choi.
END
