Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe BOX OFFICE The second weekend of "The Scorpion King" easily topped a moderate weekend at the nation's box office with an estimated $17.6 million at 3,449 theaters during the Friday-Sunday period, studio sources said. Advertisement Universal's "King," starring pro wrestler The Rock, is the spinoff from last year's hit "The Mummy Returns" and has now taken in $60.8 million in its first 10 days. Finishing a distant but respectable second was Paramount's third weekend of "Changing Lanes" with $9 million at 2,642 sites. "Lanes" has nearly hit $45 million in 17 days. 20th Century Fox's "Life or Something Like It," a romantic comedy starring Angelina Jolie, opened in third with $6.7 million at 2,604 theaters while New Line's horror sequel "Jason X" opened in fourth. Both debuted amid mixed reviews. Warner Bros.' second weekend of "Murder By Numbers" finished fifth with $6.3 million at 2,663 sites. Advertisement Rounding out the top 10 were "The Rookie," "Ice Age," "Panic Room," "High Crimes," and "The Sweetest Thing." (Thanks to UPI's Dave McNary in Los Angeles) JAY LENO He swears he didn't want to do it, but Jay Leno finally relented and agreed to a prime time special to celebrate his 10th anniversary as host of "The Tonight Show." Leno admits he didn't even completely realize until two years ago that he's "the guy behind the desk." He was driving in his car, listening to a radio contest where the question was: "Besides Johnny Carson, who hosted the 'Tonight' show longest -- Jack Paar, Steve Allen or Jay Leno?" The answer -- himself -- caught Leno off guard. It might have taken that long for reality to sink in about the hosting job, but Leno can tell you every detail about his first appearance as a guest in the Carson days -- March 2, 1977. He compares the first time with Carson to a young man's first time with a woman. "You're not very good at it and it's over real quick," he said, "but you want to do it again. I can't tell you the first girl, but I can tell you the first 'Tonight' show. That shows you where the priorities are." Advertisement Leno's anniversary special comes a little more than one week after Carson finally closed his office in Santa Monica, Calif. Since his final "Tonight" show on May 22, 1992, Carson has remained true to his word about retiring. He has also secured all rights to the tapes of his shows, continuing to make money through DVD and videocassette sales on his Web site (johnnycarson.com). He made headlines in 1999 when he underwent bypass surgery, but he generally avoids the spotlight. Carson will not be participating in the anniversary special on Tuesday. Leno said the guest list includes Tom Cruise, Steven Tyler and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Cher is scheduled to perform. (Thanks to UPI Hollywood Reporter Pat Nason) ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, THE ROCK For years, bodybuilder-turned-action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger has been one of the world's top box office draws. He has millions of fans and is mobbed wherever he goes. But move over, Arnold, look out for The Rock. The New York Post says that at a recent screening of the wrestler-turned-action hero's latest movie, "The Scorpion King," its star was mobbed by fans as Schwarzenegger looked on. It seems that The Rock -- who emerged from the "interesting" world of pro wrestling to become a household name through appearances on TV and in the movies -- has become the new international "hunk" for millions. The publication says it's interesting that Schwarzenegger, scoffed at early on because of his "beefcake" past, should suddenly be supplanted in popularity by someone with an equally atypical background. Advertisement (Thanks to UPI's Dennis Daily) ROBERT BLAKE Robert Blake's bodyguard-chauffer, Earle Caldwell -- who's been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of the actor's wife -- has been released on $1 million bail. Blake's lawyer, Harland Braun, confirmed Friday that the former "Baretta" star posted Caldwell's bail. "Under California law," said Braun, "an employer has an obligation to finance the defense of his employee when the employee is charged with crime rising out of his employment. He's also a friend." Blake and Caldwell were arrested April 18 in connection with the shooting death of Bonny Lee Bakley in May 2001. Both pleaded innocent when they were arraigned last Monday. On Thursday, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced they had decided not to seek the death penalty, but would seek life in prison without the possibility of parole if Blake is convicted.
