Geldof stars in short film

LONDON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Donald Rice said he was thrilled Irish rocker and human rights activist Bob Geldof agreed to star in his short film "I Am Bob," the Times of London said.

In the 19-minute movie, which Rice wrote and directed, Geldof plays a celebrity stranded with no money or cell phone at a Lancashire pub. His only hope is winning the cash prize in a Bob Geldof look-alike competition.

Rice said he was surprised when Geldof called him and agreed to take the part.

"He doesn't have an answerphone on his mobile or a permanent personal assistant, so

when you ring him, you either get nothing or you get Bob," Rice told the Times.

In the film, Geldof gamely sends up his public persona. When he receives a call from a Romanian orphanage wanting his help, he replies: "I'm sorry. I just do Africa."

Rice claimed the quote is Geldof's actual response whenever he receives a request that he cannot oblige.

The 30-year-old filmmaker said Geldof donated his time but isn't likely to do another film any time soon.

"When it ended and he was cheered off the set he said, 'I'll never do this again,'" Rice said.