People

FIRST OFF ... A CLARIFICATION

In a recent report on the chief executive officer of National Public Radio I incorrectly reported that he had linked a Christian group with last fall's anthrax scare. In conversation with the network I was informed that the initial erroneous report was made by a field reporter last January and quickly corrected, both on the air and on NPR's Web site -- npr.org -- where the correction remains. When NPR chief Kevin Klose was at a committee meeting on Capitol Hill this week the issue re-surfaced. A representative of the group mentioned in the report was also there. Klose, who was not the one who made the original statement but under whose watch it was aired, again apologized. NPR tells me that the network and the group involved are in a dialogue to resolve any remaining concerns.

STREISAND HAS MUCH ON HER PLATE

It would appear that Barbra Streisand has adopted a new hobby. And, according to gossip columnist Liz Smith, she literally has a lot on her plate ... in the form of art. Streisand is among a gaggle of personalities who have been enlisted to help the annual Carousel of Hope celebration. It seems that she has been putting the finishing touches on a ceramic personalized plate. There are indications that she is so determined that her contribution be perfect that she'll be working on it until the last minute and wants it displayed with the proper lighting when the time comes for its sale. Proceeds from the auction of the plates will help groups working in the cause of juvenile diabetes. Joining Streisand are Madonna, Kirsten Dunst, Quincy Jones and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tapped to entertain on the evening of the event (in October in Hollywood) are Sting and Sir Elton John. Sidney Poitier will receive a special award, to be handed out by Halle Berry.

THE ROYALS AREN'T GOING TO LIKE THIS

Why is it that some people really have it in for the British royal family? It would appear that a new docudrama planned for ABC is ample proof that nothing seems to be sacred anymore. According to the New York Post, the broadcast, "Father's and Son's," will depict photogenic Prince William as the kind of kid your daughter would have trouble bringing home to meet the family. The publication says that William is painted in the drama as a womanizing heavy drinker. William's dad, Prince Charles, is apparently played by an unknown British actor; his friend Camilla Parker Bowles is portrayed as "coarse" and "foul-mouthed." Now in case you think that Buckingham Palace is calling in every lawyer it can find, it will be impossible for the royal family to sue the producers for slander because the entire show is being put together by a non-British group for distribution outside the United Kingdom. Oh, one other thing, it's a given that Prince William often showers and likely without wearing clothing. But the creators of this so-called "factual" drama even show him in the nude, showering, as if we needed proof that the royal family believes in hygiene.

LOCKLEAR TO RETURN TO THE SILVER SCREEN

Actress Heather Locklear is about to return to movies, for the first time in five years. According to published reports, she will co-star in a comedy to be called "Molly Gunn." Locklear will be taking on the role in the wake of her successful run in "Spin City." Shooting recently got underway in Manhattan. Locklear plays the mother of a youngster in this film about a woman who never understood the value of money. During the past two decades Locklear became the "golden girl" of television, appearing in a variety of shows and series. She also made numerous guest appearances on shows such as "Eight is Enough," "The Fall Guy," Matt Houston" and "Fantasy Island."

CALIFORNIA GOV. CALLS FOR MOVIE RELIEF

In an exclusive interview with the Hollywood Reporter, California's governor, Gray Davis, tells the publication that he will focus on tax breaks and a return of the movie business to its classic roots in Tinseltown as he makes a bid for re-election. Davis noted that in spite of some people's perception that "everyone in Hollywood is a millionaire," he hopes that proposed legislation will help the thousands of low-income workers who are a part of the movie industry and its support structure in the Los Angeles area. He said that carpenters, cinematographers and others who earn less than $25,000 a year must be helped. The governor told the publication that he has been working with major Hollywood groups -- including the Hollywood Entertainment Labor Council, the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild -- in assessing the needs of the movie industry as more and more films are being made outside of the country, especially in Canada.

DOLLY PARTON ON THE CHARTS AGAIN

After what may have seemed like an eternity for her dyed-in-the-wool fans, Dolly Parton is back, recording and performing. Her latest CD, a tribute to the world of bluegrass music, is called "Halos & Horns." It has just hit the charts and is her third album for Sugar Hill Records. The 56-year-old Tennessee native, according to Country Music Television, wrote 12 of the 14 songs on the compilation. Even though the album is mostly in a country vein, she also does covers of the famous Led Zeppelin hit "Stairway to Heaven" and Bread's "If." Parton takes advantage of the new CD video technology by adding footage of a recording session and an in-studio interview. Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz was tapped to do the cover photography.

WRESTLER-BECOME-SINGER ANGERS IMMIGRANTS

When former pro wrestler-become country singer Chad Brock performed recently in Greeley, Colo., he may have committed a grievous sin ... expounding on his patriotism at the expense of the feelings of a group of new Americans. It seems that Greeley has had a recent influx of Hispanics. As a matter of fact, according to country.com, it's now nearly one-third Hispanic. Although Brock didn't trash immigrants per se, he went overboard in saying that to be a true America you must "adopt the American way." Many locals took exception to Brock's comments. He condemned immigrants who "want to change America" and cautioned those who would impose their culture on already existing American traditions that they should go back home.

Well, the world of professional wrestling is extremely jingoistic.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 370

Today is what we might call the Friday Forum. We invite you to comment on anything you want, except for partisan politics and religion. Put FRIDAY in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

SOME MORE CATCHING UP TO DO

As we continue to catch up on some previous questions, here are few more replies. In regard to our MOVIE question, about the actress or actor who emoted the best: Melba mentions the incredible acting job of June Allyson in "The Stratton Story" and Natalie Wood in "Splendor in the Grass." She says that the only requirement of actresses today is that they be anorexic. Diane D says that Tom Hanks was amazing in "Philadelphia" in the scene where he is "standing out in front of yet another lawyer's office that wouldn't take his discrimination case. There's no dialogue ... just the shot of him scared, abandoned, feeling hopeless." Diane, kinda reminds me of Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life," staring glassy-eyed into the distance after leaving his former home where his mom (Beulah Bondi) doesn't know him. Peggy reminds us about the cemetery scene with Sally Field in "Steel Magnolias" and Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral in "Imitation of Life." Peggy, you hit the nail with your head. I can't even watch that part of "Imitation of Life" without sobbing uncontrollably. Finally Jason G raves about Ed Harris on "The Abyss" where he tries to revive Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's character. Personally, my favorite scene contains one word. It's where Agnes Moorehead calls out the window to a young Charles Foster Kane. She has to call him into the house to tell him that she's sending him away to live a new life. The camera shoots from the outside of the house as she opens the window. With every ounce of her courage she shouts: "Charles!" It's amazing. Rent "Citizen Kane" this weekend and see if you don't agree. MONDAY: We're almost caught up. GBA.