November 30

Playbill: Linney, Close, Washington and Langella Among Satellite Award Nominees

Variety: Big casts make for major challenges - Finding right mix of actors can lead to SAG win - "American Gangster. "This was the easiest job, even though it was a huge, huge cast," says Avy Kaufman. "A lot of times you show directors a lot of people and you have to show them 20,000 more," but Ridley Scott was decisive. Because the material was attractive, Kaufman says, "I got great people to do parts they wouldn't normally do," including Roger Bart ("Young Frankenstein"), who plays an angry attorney and Kevin Corrigan ("Grounded for Life"), who in one scene gets to bite Russell Crowe." - Thanks, Allison

Waleg.com: Russell Crowe does Esquire: "Russell Crowe is one hell of an actor ... i love all his movies, there's not one movie which he was in, that was crappy! Well, the Aussie hottie is in the December issue of Esquire magazine ... talking about a load of stuff, like his latest role in the great movie American Gangster. This is his third movie with director Ridley Scott." - Thanks, Allison

Yahoo news via The Hollywood Reporter: LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The crime thrillers "The Lookout," "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," "Eastern Promises," "No Country for Old Men" and "3:10 to Yuma" will vie for best motion picture drama honors with the Alzheimer's saga "Away From Her" at the International Press Academy's 12th annual Satellite Awards, organizers said. - Thanks, Kris C

Just in case - a beginning page for State of Play

The NY Daily News: Daily News lists Top 50 Dumbest People in Hollywood (Had to base their choice on a story that is SO dead and out of date by now.)

Happy Birthday, Ridley Scott!! - Thank, Tracey

Variety - Anne Thompson - Hollywood's new scapegoat -- "...On the other hand, Universal and Working Title are desperately trying to keep "State of Play," which was supposed to start Nov. 15, on the fast track. The studio was threatening to sue the pay-or-play Pitt, as it once did Mike Myers over "Dieter." (Myers eventually settled.) Now the studio is trying to replace the balky Pitt with "American Gangster" star Russell Crowe, who trying to work out his schedule. He is skedded to start Ridley Scott's "Nottingham" in March for the studio." - Thanks, Cindy

Tom O'Neil (Give it a rest)The Envelope: "Curious Golden Globes smackdown: Russell Crowe vs. Russell Crowe - Good news for BAFTA producers and Manhattan hotel clerks! What goes around really does come around. The next slugfest Russell Crowe faces is against himself — at the upcoming Golden Globes. He was put in the lead acting race for both "American Gangster" and "3:10 to Yuma" by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's eligibility committee. - Thanks, Mike

The Leader-Post CA: Independent studios gear up for Oscar battle -- LIONSGATE -- "As far as our consultants tell us, it's all over, with '3:10 to Yuma' winning everything," jokes studio president Tom Ortenberg of James Mangold's Western starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. "But no joke, we think it's a contender from top to bottom." In addition to pushes for the leading men, Ben Foster and Peter Fonda will be championed as supporting actors." - Thanks, Steph

The Courier Mail: Crowe grows older and wiser -- CELEBRATED filmmaker Ridley Scott is once again singing the praises of Russell Crowe - saying the Aussie star is nothing like his public persona. In his acclaimed new movie, American Gangster, the British-born director again teams up with Crowe, along with Denzel Washington, to tell the compelling tale of Harlem's first black heroin kingpin. Scott says: "Russell is very warm and is very generous and real. And he's very sharing and sometimes the public image he has is completely inaccurate, because I think he's so smart he doesn't suffer fools. He gets irritated easily." - Thanks, Steph

November 29

Daryl has sent an update on the January Australia Day Challenge Game in Jacksonville

(Note: Final negotiations doesn't mean signed on the dotted line, so some restraint is needed here) -- The Hollywood Reporter: Russell Crowe is in final negotiations to replace Brad Pitt in "State of Play," saving Universal and Working Title's delayed political thriller from shutting down. - Thanks, Kris C - Also at Reuters - Thanks, Marilyn

From Daryl "Spinner" Howland: "With an order coming in today from the state of Wyoming and one from Wisconsin the number of states that will see tickets shipped to them for the Jan 26th Australia Day Challenge has hit 40. Hawaii is also represented on the list that will represent in Jacksonville for the Rugby League battle. With a total of tickets sold nearing 2500 and the local and regional PR and Adverting campaign about to start, we should see a sell out of tickets before the teams arrive on Jan 16th. There are less than 200 preferred seating tickets remaining of the initial offer of 2000. The VIP Post Game Party has sold 1300 of the 2000 that are on offer." www.jaxaxe.com

November 28

The fundraising period is over. Thank you all for your generous support for Murphsplace. I could not continue without your encouragement and your donations. Peace to everyone of you.

Related: The UK Undependent: Paul Giamatti: Mr Potato face -- He may not be your average matinée idol, but plenty of people look just like Paul Giamatti – and someone has to play them, he tells Gill Pringle

Trend News: Russell Crowe's money vow -- "I started thinking recently, 'If I believe it is important to baptise my kids, why not me?' I do believe there are more important things than what is in the mind of a man. There is something much bigger that drives us all. I'm willing to take that leap of faith." - Thanks, Maria

Cindy Adams in the NY Post: ROM my LA gossip friend Janet Charlton: People should know the movie "American Gangster" is enriching Denzel Washington's character, Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. This awful heroin dealer, who actually put out a contract on his own brother, was convicted before the law banning felons from profiting from their crimes. He's so far pocketed $800,000 from the film, and a sequel is in the works. - Thanks, barbiecat

Comingsoon.net: Stuart Beattie to Pen Fred Cuny Biopic - "...Beattie, whose last scripting credit came on the horror hit 30 Days of Night, completed a rewrite of G.I. Joe just before the writers strike that prompted Paramount to schedule an early 2008 start date. He's scripting Bra Boys, a feature that Russell Crowe will direct, based on the documentary." - Thanks, Steph

November 27

Off topic: Tell us what books you are reading now - at my reader's blog

From Ellen in Seattle: " In the Dec. 3rd issue of People on newsstands now - there is an article entitled "The Real Men Behind American Gangster" with the subheading - "Tough cop Richie Roberts brought drug lord Frank Lucas to justice-and inspired a hit movie.  Now the two unlikely friends talk about their surprising relationship."  Page 139, 140. There are photos of the real Richie and Frank together and also smaller pics with their counterparts - Russell and Denzel -  and small pics from the movie.  Caption with the pic of Richie and Russell says,  "Crowe, says Roberts, is a cool guy." There is also a sidebar story about Frank & Julie's (Julie was also arrested and incarcerated, but this was not shown in the movie) daughter, Francine Lucas Sinclair."

UPI: Studio wants Crowe for Pitt 'Play' part -- Crowe is expected to make his decision early this week, Variety.com reported Monday.

Lionsgate's page on 3:10 to Yuma for Oscar consideration for guild members

November 26

TMZ: TMZ has obtained a cease and desist letter sent by Dominic Amorosa, attorney for Gregory Korniloff, to the General Counsel of NBC Universal, and cc'd to the President of the studio. NBC Universal did not respond to requests for comment.Korniloff is a retired NYC DEA agent, who is demanding a retraction of statements made in the movie. The letter claims that the movie, which portrays the life of Frank Lucas (Denzel), a Harlem heroin dealer in the '60s and '70s, incorrectly states that a third of NY DEA agents were convicted on charges related to Lucas. In addition, the letter alleges that several alleged facts in the movie are misleading, including heroin being smuggled in coffins, and the amount of money taken from Lucas' home during a raid. Korniloff was the case agent for the DEA and "personally participated in the search of Lucas' house ... and the arrest of Lucas on that same day." Korniloff's lawyer says the way the movie portrays that search "destroys the reputation of honest and courageous public servants by deliberately misrepresenting the facts." - Thanks, Kris C

The NY Times Book Review -- Related: MY VIEW FROM THE CORNER -- A Life in Boxing. By Angelo Dundee with Bert Randolph Sugar.

CHUD: More on the State of Play situation

The story (not confirmed) that Russell will replace Brad Pitt in State of Play is everywhere. Here is the article at Cinema Blend. (Thanks, Avril) Keep your fingers crossed. It is a great tale of intrigue, love, murder, and the newspaper business. If you saw the original, I am assuming Russell would play the John Simm role of Cal McCaffrey, with Edward Norton in the David Morrissey role - and Helen Mirren as Bill Nighy???

The Independent ie: Where have all the silver screen bad boys gone? -- There are no modern-day successors to those hellraisers, with their sizzling good looks, who wreaked such havoc and yet inspired such blind hero worship, laments Sile McArdle

Variety: The frame also saw continued solid offshore performance on far fewer screens by "American Gangster" with $11 million at 1,569 in 16 territories -- including wins over "Beowulf" in head-to-head competition...."American Gangster" showed impressive holding power in its second frames in the U.K. with $3.7 million, off 29%; in France with $2.5 million, down 29%; and in Germany with $2.1 million, down 24%. The Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe drama also won in openings in Norway and Sweden and has cumed $30.7 million in the early part of its foreign run. - Thanks, Cindy

BBC1 - Audio interview with Edith and Russell - Thanks, liu

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to Avril, a WONDERFUL "blast from the past" vid from Virtuosity time when Russell was on a program with Andrew Denton!  (Was this "Enough Rope"?)  This is the chat where the infamous "trailer size" discussion took place!  Also, thanks to Ivani and vsecin, Studio Magazine's video promo for American Gangster, including interviews with Russell, Ridley and Denzel!  And thanks to vsecin, Centrodiascolto's Yuma promo vids, interview with Russell! (Italian voice over, but we get to hear Rusty speaking Italian a bit and in the third one, he sings!) and s ome LA Industry Screening of AG red carpet footage!  Finally, I've revamped the Searchable Archives so hopefully they're easier to use!  If you have any comments, questions or feedback, please let me know at the Message Board, thank you

November 25

Variety: Universal seeks Crowe for 'Play' --Studio seaches for Pitt replacement -- Universal Pictures spent the weekend trying to convince Russell Crowe, its "American Gangster" topliner, to replace Brad Pitt as the star of "State of Play." - Thanks, Chats

Blog Critics: Yuma Review -- "Although many say the Western is dead, in books as well as movies, it continues to rear its head and make itself known every so often. There’s something inherently noble and visceral about the art form and the subject matter, the calm delineation between good and evil, that stubbornly continues to attract an audience."

Pics of Russell shopping in Sydney - some with Charlie (Taken before the filming for Body of Lies) - Thanks, vsecin

NY Daily News: Star Ego is the Pitts -- That leaves a big-budget film with a host of other important actors – Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn and Rachel McAdams – in the lurch. Universal is said to be negotiating with Russell Crowe to take over Pitt’s role, but if a replacement isn’t signed soon the whole thing will collapse because of the cast’s previous commitments to other projects. - Thanks, Linda K

The Courier Mail: Seinfeld sees the funny side of married life -- "Seinfeld said he also was a big fan of Aussie actor Russell Crowe. He said many actors were overrated, but Crowe was not one of them." - Thanks, Linda K

Sabry's review of AG

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to vsecin and Mirella I have a bunch of goodies from both Yuma and AG promotions!  Interviews we haven't seen yet from when Russell did the satellite feeds from DC for Yuma as well as some more Russell and Denzel press junket interviews promoting AG!  Also, I have the John Polson interview where he talks a little about Tenderness near the end!

November 24

The Orara Vally Axemen: Orara Sevens Tournament which we proposed for 2008 has been put in recess until 2009. - Thanks, Linda K

All In Magazine: Joe Hachem & Shane Warne Set To Go All In For Charity -- Russell Crowe, Fifi Box, Dave Hughes, Glenn Robbins, Livinia Nixon, Nathan Buckley and Aaron Hamill to name a few will be among the celebrities volunteering their time to hit the felts at Crown Melbourne next Friday November 30 for the biggest charity poker event held in the country. - Thanks, Cindy - Note: Russell is not listed at the site, so perhaps he is not playing

The New Yorker - a laugh for today - No, But We Saw the Movie by Nora Ephron

The NY Times: For Film Companies, a State of Flux -- "...Mr. Pitt’s departure from “State of Play,” for example, prompted Universal Pictures to begin talks with the actor Russell Crowe, whose next assignment, after all, is Ridley Scott’s “Nottingham,” a reimagining of the Robin Hood story from the sheriff’s point of view, also for Universal."

UK TV Food: The Russell Crowe Cocktail by Salvatore Calabrese from Good Food Live - Thanks vsecin

November 23

The Washington Post - Anne Hornaday: Life's a blur -- The five scariest words in cinema: "Based on a true story." That familiar disclaimer, so ubiquitous as to be virtually invisible. But consider those five words more closely: At once grandiose and weaselly, full of both historical gravitas and mushy ambiguity, proclaiming both fact (it's a true story) and fiction (not so fast, we said based on), they elegantly, if inadvertently, distill the ethos of a movie industry that has always strived to have it both ways. - Thanks, Steph

Empire Awards 2008 - Vote for Russell, Ridley, James Mangold - Thanks, Ivani

The Jacksonville Business Journal: Rugby match draws hospitality partners - Thanks, Cindy

The Herald UK: Listed in the credits for Ridley Scott's seventies-set gangster picture is an entire football team of hairstylists. Eleven good women and men teased the locks of stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe and the lesser mortals around them. If the number seems a touch excessive, it's in keeping with this overblown - excuse the tonsorial pun - epic that pitches for style and substance and ends up helplessly in thrall to the former.

The Times UK: The Insider -- "How to avoid the match of the year/decade/century, depending on your level of intensity about the importance of England’s European Championship qualifying match last night against Croatia. Well, for Ricky Hatton, it was light entertainment before he flies off to Las Vegas today for his world welterweight title bout against Floyd Mayweather. He spent the evening keeping one eye on the football and the other watching Cinderella Man, which stars Russell Crowe and is the true story of James J. Braddock, a boxer who overcame adversity to become world heavyweight champion in 1935." - Thanks, Amelie

November 22 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Canoe-Jam!: Lou Eisen's heart in his comedy -- Lou Eisen doesn't exactly blame Ron Howard for his heart attack. But the veteran Toronto comedian -- who has found a second career offering health professionals laughs and insight with a one-man show called The Angina Monologues -- did technically have the director's permission to let himself go. Eisen played legendary cornerman Ray Arcel in the Russell Crowe film Cinderella Man, about champion Jim Braddock. - Thanks, Steph

E!: Ted Casablanca actually has something (sort of) nice to say about Russell -  "For reminding me that having a loud mouth and a big ass doesn’t always hurt; it sometimes simply gets the job done, as he so beautifully proved in American Gangster." Thanks, Deborah

News.com.au: Bale on Russell -- "I like the way he works," Bale says of Crowe. "We got along really well. Because of that it was one of the best working relationships I've had with another actor and I like him personally. He's a good guy." And Bale is happy to put his money where his head is. "I was walking round for some time with a baseball cap that has the South Sydney Rabbitohs all over it. I'm kind of a sandwich board," he says with a laugh. A rugby league fan then? "It takes somebody who I know personally, who has an interest in it and love for it like Russell, to perk me up for it. I follow it whenever I'm with Russell." - Thanks, Cindy

The Jax Daily Record: "...In about two months, Jacksonville will add international rugby to the already extensive inventory of spectator sports when the Leeds Rhinos of England face Australia’s South Sydney Rabbitohs Jan. 26 at the University of North Florida....more" - Thanks, CGee

Constant Crowe Update:  Jean caught a VERY funny clip from ITV with bits from Russell and Denzel interviews!

EW: Ultimate Male Hotties - The 90s to 2007 - Thanks, Ellen in Seattle

November 21

The Hollywood Reporter: Pitt no longer in "Play" - Universal is on the fast track to replace the star. Sources said the studio is looking at Johnny Depp, whose own movie "Shantaram" just got postponed at Warner Bros., as well as Russell Crowe. (ed note: The Brit mini series was one of the best I've seen. John Simm (in the Pitt part) was outstanding. I wonder if Hellen Mirren is Bill Nighy in this version)

HiDef Digest: As we've previously reported, Lionsgate recently announced a January 8, 2008 Blu-ray debut for the hit Russell Crowe-Christian Bale western, day-and-date with the standard-def DVD. Now the studio has released final details for the disc, which is set to include an extensive array of bonus features sure to please fans. - Thanks, Steph

Related: I just watched an excellent Brit Mini-series from 1997 - Jimmy McGovern's "The Lakes" (Starring Life on Mars and State of Play's John Simm) - our old M&C Mr Allen, Robet Pugh, was excellent as Father Matthew, a priest in love

MSN: Reasons to be thankful (films - # 3) - Thanks, madchen

LA Times - The Envelope: Shooting 'American Gangster' -- Cinematographer Harris Savides enjoys working for demanding directors: 'I take it as a challenge.' - Thanks, Cindy

Digital Spy: Ten Things You Never Knew About Russell Crowe - Thanks, madchen

Wild About Movies - Early Picks For Best Pix Oscar Nominations at 2008 Academy Awards

Variety: Thanksgiving BO offers feast -- International: Universal's "American Gangster" should also be a player as it expands into Norway and Sweden after racking up more than $14 million last weekend in its first major foreign foray.

PWW.org: Who are the real American Gangsters? - Thanks, Allison

Variety: Strike may impact Oscar broadcast -- Jon Stewart back in hot seat as show host

CNN - Showbiz Tonight - AG on Showbiz Tonight 11-21-07 - Thanks, Kris C

November 20

Variety: Strike delays 'Shantaram,' 'Nine' - Warner Bros. halts production on Depp film (ed note: Russell liked Shantaram so much, he sent me an early copy. Depp grabbed the film rights to it) - Thanks, Steph

Variety: 'Gangster' rules in Europe - 'Beowulf' bites into B.O. - Thanks, Allison

The IMDb has updated release dates for Tenderness - for the U.S. it only says "2007".  The other release is Finland, 8/8/08. - And Nottingham has some rumored cast members listed - Thanks, Allison

From Ellen in Seattle: "Thought you'd be interested to know that both Denzel & Russell are included in People's Sexiest Men issue on newsstands now.  On Page 94 -- It is the same pic of RC that they used in the Men's journal. They are both in "The Hot List" section - with the sub-heading "These Hollywood Heartthrobs are always scorching, but this year they really turned up the heat." For RC they wrote:  "This bad boy brought swagger back this year in two cool movies (3:10 to Yuma and American Gangster), but his softer side smoothed the rough edges.  "I love going shopping," Crowe, 43 told Men's Journal. "I can pick out the first nine things my wife would like to try on.  I'm not bragging; it's fact." -- Denzel is on page 86, also pg. 160 - Sexy Characters heading from Mississippi Masala and page 172 - Fathers & Sons with his son John David - pro running back. Under category Sexiest Import - Chiwetel Ejiofer from American Gangster - page 124."

UGO: "Ridley Scott - excuse me, Sir Ridley Scott - had the misfortune of allowing us an interview. It's not that we didn't ask wise questions about his films, from Blade Runner to Gladiator to American Gangster, it's that we also sneezed on him. We were hoping the sneeze would just go away if we sucked in a lot of air, but the instinct to cover our mouth and nose was halted when we realized we had a live microphone in our hand. Thus, we wound up sneezing on Ridley Scott. Sir Ridley Scott. He's a champ, though, and even gave us an answer to the question "who would win in a fight, a minotaur armed with a trident or a centaur armed with a crossbow?" - Jean in Portland

On that AG/ Gladiator parody -- "I'm the single author of the french movie parody site named "Halluciner.fr" (that means in english Hallucinate). As a gift, I did yesterday a special english version for you. You can now give direct link to my "American Gangster Vs Gladiator" Parody and update your site (Very clever) - Thanks, Hallu

From Christine: "Awards Daily.com added a poll today for “which actor we are most thankful for” – scroll to right after Golden Compass French Site.   Russell was not on the initial list but after many protests was added later in the day.   Please prompt everyone to vote if possible."

November 19

Some disappointing news for TOFOG fans from Russell: "Due to scheduling conflicts that  we were unable to resolve TOFOG will not be playing any concerts in Jacksonville while South Sydney are in that city for their game against Leeds." (I have posted this same news at the Crowe Music Blog if you want to comment)

From Russell is on page 94 of peoples mag.,sexiest man alive issue. With picture.

halluciner.fr: (Scroll) Parodie bande annonce film 'American Gangster' (AG and Gladiator parody - I think it's funny, but I don't speak French) - Thanks, Rose

Lots of "For Your Consideration" ads at Awards Daily - Thanks, Steph

The Coffs Coast Advocate: Russell Crowe opens Nana Glen pool - "...Russell Crowe nipped in the bud any tendency by politicians to use the occasion as an election forum, by decreeing anyone speaking for more than five minutes would take an involuntary swim." - Thanks, Anne S

The NY Times Media and Advertising: Hollywood Producer of Varied Interests, Many Hits, but Little Fame (Brian Grazer) -- Nikki Finke (Deadline Hollywood) - Is this Brian's year to win the Thalberg?

Intern and the City Blog: (Ben (the other!) Foster) -- Within the next year Foster shares the big screen with Russell Crowe and Laura Dern in Tenderness followed by Mysteries of Pittsburg with Sienna Miller, Peter Sarsgaard and Nick Nolte. - Thanks, Flakeroo

GQ Men Of The Year (Australia) -- The 2007 GQ Men of the Year Awards night in Sydney on 20 November is one of the top events on the calendar this year. It's a ceremony where sportsmen, film stars and rock-giants click flutes with fashionistas, media-moguls and power-brokers – in short, the men who shape Australia’s social, cultural and stylistic landscape. -- Russell Crowe: Turning his beloved Rabbitohs into a respectable league outfit was his major achievement off the screen this year. On it, his intelligent interpretation of Ben Wade in James Mangold's modern western 3:10 to Yuma won plaudits aplenty. We'll see him lead as a fearless narcotics officer in Ridley Scott's American Gangster scheduled for release in Australia in January, with Crowe expected to return home for a red carpet premiere ahead of the Oscars season in the US. - Thanks, Oz Fan and Cindy

Variety: Overseas box office gets action - "Beowulf conquered the overseas box office this weekend, with a solid (but hardly blockbuster) $17 million, followed by "American Gangster," which nabbed an impressive $14 million in fewer playdates.

Haaretz.com: (Israeli) A little bit of Hollywood - "...De Line tried to offer hope to those present by mentioning "Body of Lies," directed by Ridley Scott, which is currently being filmed in Morocco, with American stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, and Israelis Alon Abutbul and Clara Khoury. The other panel members agreed that today, more than ever before, Hollywood is looking for talent beyond America's shores." - Thanks, Allison

Thefirstpost.uk: Russell Crowe saves Hollywood's neck - again - Thanks, BarbieCat

Constant Crowe Updates:  Lots of goodies today!  Thanks to 6.7 and vsecin, I have a BTS vid from Virgin Media, a Ridley Scott interview from 1Xtra as well as the audio of Russell's interview with them, an ITN interview with Denzel, the rest of the GMTV Russell interview, the English version of the AG Super Trailer and MovieWeb put up some more interview footage from the AG Press Junket day with Russell & Denzel and Ridley!  While I was at MovieWeb, I found two b-roll vids for AG as well!

November 18

The Gurus of Gold at MSN - 16 weeks to Oscar (Off Topic Recommendation - Sarah Polley's Away From Her) -

IndieLondon: Russell Crowe talks Nottingham - “I tell you this – Richard the Lionheart won’t be bounding up in the last scene and saving the day [chuckles]. I mean the bloke only spoke French and only spent six months of his 10-year reign in England. And besides, Richard Harris is dead.”

Reuters: The Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe drama "American Gangster," released by General Electric Co.'s Universal Pictures, fell one to No. 3 with $13.2 million, also in its third weekend. Its total stands at $101 million.

Related: ESPN: Carr expected to announce retirement on Monday (Russell's friend and Michigan football coach) - Thanks, CGee

The London Sunday Times: American Gangster - The Sunday Times review -- Ridley Scott’s crime epic is a whopper – with big stars and big ambitions – but it’s not large enough for our correspondent - (This guy is hard to please) - Thanks, Amelie

Variety: Beowulf wins Friday Box Office - "..Universal's "American Gangster" bullied Par-DreamWorks' "Bee Movie" out of second place Friday with $3.9 million off 3,110 locales, down 46% from a week ago. Having grossed $91.6 million to date in its third frame, "Gangster" continues to pace ahead of last year's "The Departed" by 36%, autumn's highest grossing R-rated crime drama of all-time ($132.4 million). The Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe topliner looks to hit the century mark by tomorrow" - Thanks, Allison

SecondDimension.net: The V on American Gangster - Thank "V"

From Ivani: Thanks to VSecin, we have at Premiere magazine's site (French site), reviews of the movie, interviews with Russell & Denzel, and Ridley

EarthTimes.org: Crowe intimidates criminals - "Crowe was keen to get his portrayal of detective Richie Roberts right and visited New York gangsters to research, contactmusic.com reports. But the criminals were nervous because of his impressive resume. He said: 'With the first couple I met, I couldn't work out why they were shaking. I thought they must have been dealing with some sort of extreme drug problem or something like that. But then one of the gangsters I was doing the interview with said about the other one, 'No, don't worry. He's just f**kin' nervous. He's nervous because he's being interviewed by Maximus (Crowe's character in 'Gladiator')!' This is a guy who may well have been responsible for killing people, but a movie star is a movie star.'" - Thanks, Allison

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to Jean, another lovely interview from the UK AG Press Junket.  Also, thanks to 6.7, a new clip from AG!

November 17

Older Story - Slate Magazine: Russell Crowe in My Viewfinder -- My brief career as a paparazzo. - Thanks, Linda K

The Independent ie: American Hero: Ridley Scott -- Ridley Scott, the man who brought us Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator -- to name a few -- is back, this time with American Gangster. And even though he's about to turn 70, he shows no signs of slowing down. Interview by Paul Whitington - Thanks, Allison

Constant Crowe Updates:  Two lovely AG items thanks to vsecin, an interview with Russell from STV and a review from Film24's Mark Kermode!

Policeone.com: Why is law enforcement losing respect, public support & recruits? - Movies like American Gangster hold the answer. - Thanks, Allison

The Northern Echo UK: Crowe's Feat - Thanks, Steph

The Daily Telegraph: "School daze REPORTS in another column about Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe enrolling their children in Cranbrook may be a little far from the truth. For most of the year, until he went to the US with his parents, Charlie Crowe has been happily attending Reddam House - along with the children of Crowe's business associate, Peter Holmes a Court. "There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that he is about to leave Reddam,'' says Crowe's spokesman. Also looking cute in the Reddam House camel-coloured polo shirt and matching navy shorts is Oscar Jackman. One way or another, Reddam House, which was named one of the top 10 schools in the state for last year's HSC results, is going to have a hell of a drama class in a few years to come" - Thanks, Steph

The Daily Telegraph: Crowe makes a splash - WHAT better way to open a swimming pool than by making a splash? Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe did exactly that as he helped launch a new local pool at Nana Glen on the NSW mid-north coast yesterday. - Also at the SMH - Crowe's splash and spluge - Thanks, all

Skylights Magazine Cover story - Russell - Thanks, Steph, Ivani

Variety: Same film nominees battle it out -- 'Yuma's' Crowe and Bale among those in spotlight - Thanks, Allison

The Jax Daily Record: TDC approves Players event, rugby exhibition -- "...The TDC also approved a $25,000 grant to help promote the Jan. 26 rugby match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs of Australia and the Leeds Rhinos of England at the University of North Florida. Daryl Howland is the owner and general manager of the Jacksonville Axemen, the local rugby club that will serve as the host club for the Rhinos and the Rabbitohs. Howland said through very little promotional work — primarily that of Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe making appearances on Monday Night Football and “The Jay Leno Show” — ticket sales for the match are going well." - Thanks CGee

From Sabry: here are the scans of articles and pics from Metro and Lite for the English release on my AG page

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to Jean, here's the intro Russell did for Film 4's airing of LAC tonight in the UK!  (The audio track's a little off, but it syncs back up about halfway through.)  Just as a reminder, if you'd like to comment about any of the vids or thank my helpers, you can do so in the Constant Crowe Forum on the Constant Crowe Message Board

November 16

Variety: Hollywood films buoy Brit production -- The Hollywood strikes make the coming months hard to predict, but new arrivals may include "Angels and Demons," "The Wolf Man," "Mary Queen of Scots," a Sherlock Holmes project from Warners, "Max Payne," "Anthony Zimmer" and possibly the Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe vehicle "Nottingham." - Thanks, Steph

Constant Crowe Updates:  First up, thanks to my mate Sue (she of the hi-res screen caps of Ben and Richie!) I've got an audio only interview with Russell promoting AG!  Sue edited it down to just the Russell portion from this morning's programme for us!  And thanks to Sue and Penny, here's the link to the BBC Radio4 site:  BBC Radio 4  (Hopefully they'll be loading a podcast soon.)  Next, thanks to Paola, two clips from AG off the Allocine France website, one is of a sweaty, leather and denim clad Richie chasing Huey (yay!).  Also, t hanks to Kipkoul, a French telly promo item for AG!  (I was able to convert it down from the 250MB .mpg file to a smaller .wmv, if anyone wants the large original, let me know, I'll load it up.)  Finally, t hanks to vsecin, another Richard Wilkin's bit promo-ing AG on NineMSN!

Variety's page of all their possible contenders for an Oscar - TWO Russell films among them - Thanks, Marilyn

The Western Main - IC Wales Network - Russell Crowe - method man - Thanks, Steph

From the French Studio Magazine in an AG article - A close up one of Russell. We have seen it, but it is always nice to view again - Thanks, Virginia

Related: Reminder -- HBO Films - Sunday November 17 - Pu-239 (Paddy Considine stars)

The Telegraph UK: Ridley Scott's American Gangster paints a romantic picture of the man who flooded 1970s Harlem with cheap drugs, writes Sukhdev Sandhu - Thanks, Amelie

Variety: Related -- Award shows could be next victims -- Strike puts many question marks on film galas

MSN: 10 Things Gangster Movies Have Taught Us...- Thanks, Amelie

Hollywood Reporter: Director Ron Howard joined some 130 striking film and TV writers Thursday in a four-hour rally outside Viacom's Times Square offices Thursday.

From Sabry: Here are scans of article and pics from Shortlist U.K. on my AG page

Rotten Tomatoes: Exclusive: Denzel Washington talks American Gangster with RT - Thanks, Allison

CTV.ca: Remake these movies now - The Quiet Man - "Updated to reflect the irreverence of our times - even in Ireland, a remake with Russell Crowe as "The Quiet Man's" hero with the heart of gold would be a knock-out." - Thanks, Gilda

The London Times: Oscar Tips - "Russell Crowe is also included, described as a great actor with “a capacity for total self-surrender to a role - rarely does a performer have both”. It compares the lethal force he personified in L.A. Confidential with his portrayal of a dogged police investigator in American Gangster." - Thanks, Allison

November 15

NY Daily News: Novelist Joseph O'Connor's road to 'Redemption Falls' -- Last sentence -- "It's always a very slow process, but I feel pretty confident," he says, hardly daring to speculate, at such an early stage, who could portray his globetrotting hero. "Russell Crowe would be great," he muses. "But he's great in anything, really." - Thanks BeaO'R

The Herald Sun: High rollers -- SHOWBIZ high-rollers Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman could be in town this month, laying down some cards for a cause. Spin king Shane Warne is trying to use his star pull to lure the heavyweights to Crown for the inaugural Joe Hachem and Shane Warne Charity Poker Tournament on November 30. - Thanks, Steph, Cindy

The Evening Standard - This is London UK: A new king of New York - Thanks, Amelie

VH1.com: 'American Gangster' Reality Check: Separating Fact From Fiction In The Box-Office Smash -- How many years did Frank Lucas serve in prison? Did he roll on his fellow drug dealers? Here's the real story. - Thanks, Kris C

The BBC: Give Scott an Oscar, says Crowe - Thanks, Ro, WendyFP, Steph

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to Jean, a lovely AG special aired on UK telly with interview portions from Russell, Denzel and Ridley!  Also, thanks to Paola, Ivani and vsecin, some international trailers and clips from E! News!

ABC Net: 9 Nov 2007 - Big Splash Planned For Orara Valley Pool Opening -- Children from Nana Glen Public School will be the first to take the plunge into the new Orara Valley Community Pool at the official opening on Saturday, November 17, to which the entire community is invited.  The Official Opening will begin at 1pm and the children will take the plunge into the pool at 1.45pm when invited guests and dignitaries cut the ceremonial ribbon. There will be a free sausage sizzle, children's rides and entertainment during the afternoon. Everyone is welcome to attend the celebrations. - Thanks, mnc, Steph

The Chicago Tribune: American Gangster': A tale of piracy - "...But someone leaked a high-quality version of the movie before they got the chance. ...It began a few weeks ago, when the illegal version of the film showed up on file-sharing Internet sites and on city corners -- including several in Chicago -- at least 10 days before the movie's Nov. 2 theatrical release. Even worse for Universal Pictures, the film's distributor, was that the leaked copy was flawless, meaning that the illegal version for sale -- ranging from $5 to $15 per copy -- had not been recorded off some screen, but was a high-quality digital copy of the $100 million movie." - Thanks, Jeannine

The UK Times: 4 Star Review for AG - Thanks, Cindy, Amelie

Calendar Live: The studio report - A handy guide to the distributors vying for gold this season - Thanks, Allison.

Metro Co UK: Crowe: Gangster role a responsibility - Thanks, Allison

November 14

The LA Times: There is a gallery of actors who have had more than one role this year which may garner award buzz. Russell, Denzel, Josh Brolin and Ben Foster are all mentioned.  Russell is #10. - Thanks, Cindy

The LA Times Envelope: Ben Foster plays villains with flair -- As Charlie Prince in '3:10 to Yuma,' Ben Foster brings unexpected emotion to a deadly outlaw - Thanks, Cindy, Steph, Allison

The LA Times (Acting Issue): So bad they're good -- At Academy Awards time, nobody scores like a scoundrel -- acting-wise, we mean. - Thanks, Allison

Constant Crowe Updates:  Another wonderful Illustrated Song from Danyell!  This time a lovely Russell slide show to Dani's "White Monkey"!  Click here to go directly to her page!  Thanks to 6.7 and Flakeroo, I have the outstanding Time Out interview!  Thanks to Jean, a wonderful clip from Film 4 of Rusty & Ridley introducing Gladiator from the "American Gangster" week promo that channel is doing right now!  Also thanks to Jean, Film 2007's Jonathan Ross reviews AG with interview bits from Russell and Denzel!

November 13

Thanks to Tamara, past picture on right of Norman Mailer in the vest Russell gave him. It is the training camp vest from CM.

Direct link to the Time Out Interview - Thanks, Sue

From Tamara in the archives: From a report I wrote for you (it's still in your archives) after a Santa Monica Q&A/screening of Cinderella Man: Rather than cataloguing the negative, Russell mentioned "the one really decent thing that Max Baer ever did," which was to sew a Star of David on his trunks during the start of the Nazi attacks on the Jews and the Gypsies. Russell said he insisted that this detail be shown in the film. Russell said that while Baer was not a practicing Jew, he was born to a Jewish mother. Russell said he learned about Baer from Norman Mailer.

Der Spiegel on AG (in German) - Thanks, cabes

The online Journal-isms column by Richard Prince has compiled comments from a variety of black writers who have lashed out at the movie for exalting former drug lord Frank Lucas. Elmer Smith in the Philadelphia Daily News commented that it lifted "lowlife to new heights for a generation that doesn't remember or even care who they really were." Betty Bayé wrote in the Louisville Courier-Journal that she had talked to a friend, a former New York school teacher, who told her "Frank Lucas is the devil ... and some knuckleheads are going to go out and see that movie and think that they want to be just like him." Prince's column also quoted at length from a column in the New York Daily News by Stanley Crouch, who compared the movie with a documentary shown on BET. In the film, Crouch noted, "Frank Lucas has been given qualities that he simply did not have. We see him played as a soft-spoken and sophisticated man who closely studies the written word and only explodes into violence every now and then. In actuality, as the BET documentary reveals, Lucas was illiterate. ... He not only killed people to impress his ruthlessness on the underworld, but even put out a murder contract on one of his own brothers, whom he had brought from North Carolina to work in the drug trade with him. Lucas squashed the contract only because another brother had been killed and the drug lord did not want his mother to have to mourn for two dead sons at the same time. Always a family man. That such icy qualities are not in the movie makes it a highly crafted piece of poisonous eye candy." - Thanks, Allison (via the IMDb)

On Norman Mailer's death - Russell says to his friend - "Vale Norman."

The UK Telegraph: Related - Chiwetel Ejiofor: it's always the quiet ones - Thanks, Marilyn

Sympatico at MSN: Oscars, so soon? - Thanks, Gilda

Related: The NY Times reviews Jay-Z's concert last night.

Time Out Film interviews Russell - You Tube - Thanks, Laura G

Cinematical: When Filming Locations Confuse (AG related) - Thanks, Allison

Cinematical: Ridley Scott to Direct 'Stones' - "I have a favor to ask of Ridley Scott: please, sir, can you stop announcing movie projects until you're in the middle of shooting Monopoly?" - Thanks, Kris C

How lovely! --- The NY Post: ERIN CALABRESE, Post Correspondent -- November 13, 2007 -- PROVINCETOWN, Mass. - PALS SHED TEARS FOR 'GRACIOUS' MAILER -- Norman Mailer's family and friends paid final respects to the literary lion last night as he lay in an open casket, dressed in his favorite style vest - a gift from actor Russell Crowe - and surrounded by photos from his youth. - Thanks, Tamara (who reminds us that Mailer was a consultant on Cinderella Man)

CapeCod Times On Line: Mailer's wake: Adieu to P'town's local color -- About 200 family members and friends attended the visitation and viewing at the funeral home on Harry Kemp Way yesterday, according to the family's press spokeswoman, Sue Harrison. In the open casket, Mailer's family had dressed his body in some of his favorite clothing, including a pair of black Uggs and a black fleece vest, a gift from actor Russell Crowe, Harrison said. Mailer will be buried this afternoon in a private service in Provincetown. Harrison said public memorial services are planned in the spring in Provincetown and New York. - Thanks, Steph

Sue has scans of the Film Review pages and the cover of the international Hollywood Reporter HERE

Variety: Ridley Scott to roll with 'Stones' - Director attached to Fox 2000 thriller -- Pic will resume development after the Writers Guild of America strike concludes. Scott is busy directing Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe in "Body Of Lies" for Warner Bros., and he is expected to follow by moving with Crowe right into "Nottingham," the Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris-scripted drama for Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment. - Thanks, Marilyn

Snarky bit and pictures at the young folk blog - X17 online - Thanks, Penny

Constant Crowe Updates:  Thanks to Ivani, vsecin, Paola and Kipkoul, it's an all international update today!  AG promo material and trailers from Italy, Brazil, France and Oz!

The EW.com Popwatch Blog on AG - Is 'American Gangster' more moral than 'The Godfather'? - Thanks, Allison  

November 12

Thanks to 6point7 - Clickable scans of the Martin Palmer Mail on Sunday article on Russell

Variety: Roger Bart (AG - District Atorney, Frankenstein on Broadway) to host Int'l Emmys - Thanks, Marilyn

At Sabry's site: "Story of a Charming Man" Article in Metro.co.uk, Scan of article and pic - Monday 12th November 2007

Related: The UK Times on line: Armani’s code -- Giorgio Armani, one of the world’s pre-eminent designers, reveals his 21 rules for achieving style, self-esteem and success - Thanks, Steph

The Star CA: Anti-piracy lobby steps up DVD fight -- Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington faced off onscreen to take American Gangster to the top of the North American box office charts last weekend with a $50 million (U.S.) gross. Despite the stellar figures, Washington's character, psychopathic gang boss Frank Lucas, wouldn't be happy if he knew he wasn't getting his full cut at the theatres. That's because two weeks before the movie even launched, a high-quality DVD copy was selling in some retail stores across the Greater Toronto Area. Other movies still in theatres, such as Bee Movie and Saw IV, were also available at the going rate of eight for $20 (Canadian). That's about $2.50 each – cheaper than the cost of a rental if the movies were available on DVD.

Darryl Howard has sent an update on tickets and hotels for the JAX Game 1-26-08 - No new info on whether there would be a concert.

Off Topic -- Michael Morgan has a new section for you to join in - Favorite Hit Men in movies (If TV was included, I'd add that very scary hit man who appeared last night on Brotherhood!)

News from Jess (M&C): The Surprise will be setting sail on November 10th and 11th for the annual Star of India celebration and anniversary. What's going to happen on the weekend of the 10th amd 11th is that the ships set out of the harbor and head out to sea for the day. Once out of the harbor, they operate only on sail/wind power. The guests on the ships get treated to a breakfast and lunch buffet, so it sounds like it's going to be a real fun day. Plus, sailing alongside the Surprise is going to be a blast. - The day was beautiful for sailing, and it was a real thrill to see the Surprise on the open sea. The crew is made up of volunteers and I think they were concentrating on passing the Coast Guard inspection, which will determine if she'll be able to carry passengers other than crew.(The Star of India, The Lynx and The Californian sailed around one another all day, but the Surprise only mingled with the masses once or twice - I guess there's a lot of things that needed attending to with a new crew and all..)  I've attached a few pics for you to have - it was a lovely day and quite a fun adventure. (I posted some of the pics in the Master and Commander thread at Crowe Crossing...

WildAboutMovies.com: Carla Gugino related - The trailer for the DeNiro/Pacino starrer - The Righteous Kill (Scroll)

Constant Crowe Update:  I've updated my Illustrated Songs with a "fun with Russell" vid using Talking Heads' "Wild, Wild Life"  Click here to go directly to the page!

November 11

Happy Birthday Keith! - and we remember all those lost in the violence of war - Armistice Day

Box Office Mojo: Bee Movie beats AG at weekend BO - Thanks, Linda and Kris C - Also in Variety: 'Bee Movie' finds box office honey - In its second frame, "Gangster" came in No. 2, declining 44% to an estimated $24.3 million from 3,059 runs for a tasty cume of $80.7 million.

Off Topic: I have added a page to my personal blog on Broadway - on and off

You can see more complete scans of the Mail article "The Gladiator of New York" at the CC Board thanks to 6 point7 Scroll a bit - Click on thumbnails for larger sizes - Here is my page of the main picture and the link to the CC Board

Interview in the UK Mail thanks to JoYo

The UK Sunday Times: Ridley Scott is hot -- No cineaste likes to acknowledge that Ridley Scott is among the two or three most influential filmmakers of his generation - Thanks, Steph

The SF Gate: The importance of character actors - "3:10 to Yuma" was pretty great, but only fractionally because of the solid work by Bale and Crowe. Peter Fonda as a gut-shot Pinkerton agent and young Ben Foster as the outlaw's feral sidekick provided the two best performances in the movie, with the always reliable Alan Tudyk and underrated Gretchen Mol making their own strong contributions.

Variety: Universal-Imagine’s “American Gangster” bumped off the competition in its second Friday, looting $7.2 million from 3,059 theaters, repping a 54% drop. To date, the Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe topliner has collected $63.6 million and is currently grossing ahead of both actors’ respective top titles at the domestic box office: “Gangster” is pacing a boffo 97% ahead of Washington’s “Remember the Titans” through its first eight days (final B.O. $116 million) and 13% ahead of Crowe’s 2000 summer hit “Gladiator” (final B.O. $188 million) over the same frame. - Thanks, Steph

The Scotsman: Fellowship of the guitar string - "When he was working on Master And Commander, Boyd would jam with Russell Crowe whose Thirty Odd Foot of Grunt band has not always enjoyed gushing critical acclaim. Boyd would play guitar while Crowe would knock seven bells out of a drum kit." - Thanks, Steph

November 10

Keith's Birthday is tomorrow. You may send him a greeting HERE

Sabry has scans from the November Film Review Magazine on AG -- and some pics of the poster at a bus stop in Morden Surrey (U.K.)

The Daily Telegraph: Bondi wins Armani - On a whirlwind tour of Sydney, Armani caught up with Rabbitohs' part-owner Russell Crowe at Maroubra Beach before retiring for lunch. (pictures) The fashion emperor has recently designed an official Rabbitohs suit for the South Sydney rugby league team. And in 2003, Crowe's then wife-to-be Danielle Spencer walked down the aisle in a gown designed by Armani. - Thanks, Cindy

The NY Times Magazine: Hollywood Goes West - (DD Lewis on cover - interesting, with references to Yuma)

The UK Sun: Beast friends - gangster and cop

The National Post (Canada) - Popcorn Panel: American Gangster -- Filmmaking is a collaborative art, so why isn't film reviewing? Each week in this space, experts, artists and paying movie customers come together to take apart a recent release. It's salty. It's full of hot air. It's the Popcorn Panel

Veronica Magazine (Dutch) - Translation and scan thanks to Jacqueline

November 9

The transcript for the NBC Dateline interview wih Matt Lauer is now on line

Yuma review The Financial Mail (South Africa): "...It also frames some of the finest performances of the year, particularly Russell Crowe as a demonic gunslinger hunted down for execution. This killer seems to emerge from the blighted landscape itself, world-weary and merciless. His primary foe is Christian Bale, as a crippled farmer who needs the bounty on Crowe's head to survive - and who finally brings Crowe in through an almost supernatural intuition of how to trap the outlaw."

From and translated by Rose: French Studio magazine, November 2007 issue: American Gangster

MCN: Dave Poland 20 weeks to Oscar, 17 Weeks To Go Man, Oh Man -- ...And the biggest category, with seven films, is Fate, sweet brutal Fate, with 3:10 To Yuma, American Gangster , Beowulf, Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, The Kite Runner, No Country For Old Men, Reservation Road, Sweeney Todd, and There Will Be Blood. - Thanks, barbiecat

The Daily Telegraph - another nasty one: Russ has plenty to crow about - by Fiona Connolly - Thanks, Steph

You Tube: Russell sings Folsom on This Morning's Alison Hammond Show - Thanks, Steph

Variety: Is United Artists a lion or a lamb? - Tracking suggests that the new players could have a hard time overtaking Universal holdover "American Gangster," which heads into its second frame. Directed by Ridley Scott, the Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe starrer opened at $43.6 million, grossing $53.6 million through Wednesday, according to Rentrak. - Thanks, Steph

Related: Jay-Z is scheduled to be on Charlie Rose tomorrow night. - Thanks, Allison

Constant Crowe Updates:  HUGE thanks to 6.7, I have .mov files of the UK press junket interviews as well as a wickedly funny vid: "Russell Crowe's on and on"! -- Thanks to vsecin, I have a lovely interview with Sir Ridley from Times Online!  Also I re-rendered the 1Xtra file into an .mp3 and converted the .avi files from yesterday into .wmv's for anyone who was having difficulty playing them.

IMDb Daily Poll: Your favorite Kevin Spacey movie in the IMDb Top 250? - Thanks, Kris C

The Guardian: Nasty Nasty - Going to the chapel ... Crowe plans to be baptised

Google allows you to search for Russell news back to 1995 and earlier

November 8

Keith's Birthday is November 11. You may send him a greeting HERE

The Hollywood Reporter: No awards frontrunners, but a few contenders - Thanks, Laurie

The Stafford County Sun (Virginia): Show Biz Kids - "... McKennah, who has appeared in commercials and on PBS’s “Reading Rainbow,” has gotten her 6-year-old brother Chase Edmunds to join her in pursing an acting career. The siblings are slated to appear in "Body of Lies," a film staring Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio". - Thanks, Cindy

Constant Crowe Updates:  HUGE goodies today!  Massive thanks to JEAN (our affiliate across the pond - LOL) has rendered four interviews for us from UK telly, one with him singing "Folsom" to one of the interviewers!!  Thanks to RussellManiac from Orkut, a quick bit from the Daily 10 about the baptism news! Also, thanks to Lumi, a BBC Radio 1 interview promoting American Gangster!

The Washington Post: George Will on American Gangster - Another Mob Hit - Thanks, Lois

You can listen to Russell's BBC Radio 1Xtra interview with Zena HERE

Sue has made a list of the upcoming UK radio and TV shows and films for Russell

The Daily Telegraph: Style King Armani Bunnies fan - Thanks, Steph

From Michael Morgan: We have a lucky winner of the exclusive t-shirt. They can discover who they are here: http:/mtvee.wordpress.com/blog

EW.com: Cool and the gang: " In 310 to Yuma, it's the hat. Russell Crowe is cool because of the hat. But here's the thing you or I could wear that hat and not be cool. It's Russell Crowe under the hat that makes it cool, just as it's John Goodman's face behind the glasses." - Thanks, Steph

From Christine: Just emailing to let the Ontario viewers, not sure if it's across Canada, that they are viewing the South Sydney Story as a series on Star TV - check local listings for the channel - for Bell ExpressVu customers, it's channel 621. The show airs on Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. and then again early Wednesday morning at 3:30 a.m.

From Jeannine: In a review of the Jesse James film, Roger Ebert writes: There are things about men, horses and horizons that are uniquely suited to the wide screen. We see that here. The Western has been mostly in hibernation since the 1970s, but now I sense it stirring in rebirth. We have a program to register the most-read reviews on my Web site, and for the month of September the overwhelming leader was not "Eastern Promises," not "Shoot 'em Up," not "The Brave On," but "3:10 to Yuma."

Yahoo News: Original Gangster outshines film - NEW YORK - "Frank Lucas, at 77 years old and in a wheelchair, still has a small gang doting on him. Sons, publicists and friends swirl around Lucas in nearly perpetual commotion, fetching him everything from pills to a cooling fan. A recent visitor is directed kindly — though in no uncertain terms — in and out of the room. There's still plenty of power left in Lucas's presence, even though his days as a Harlem drug lord are decades past, his millions long ago seized by the government...Russell Crowe plays Roberts in the film, though the character is a composite of the many detectives and prosecutors who arrested and tried Lucas. Lucas for a moment hesitates to speak ill of his friend, but the inflated screen persona given to Roberts riles him. "Richie Roberts and his crack crew couldn't catch a ... bad cold in Alaska in the wintertime," he says with undimmed competitiveness. "They were the bad-news cops." - Thanks, Kris C

Constant Crowe Updates:  Russell did an interview with a UK breakfast show on 1Xtra this morning, I've edited the three hours down to just his section

November 7

Constant Crowe Updates:  I have the Ellen show and a BUNCH of clips from the web and telly, thanks to Ree, Ivani, Kaspi and vsecin!  I also have a new Illustrated Song Artist joining my crew!  Danyell has made a WONDERFUL Bud slide-show set to Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger"!  Click HERE to go directly to her page!

Due to the WGA strike, Leno will once again broadcast Russ' interview tomorrow in Europe. This is Nov 8 at midnight central European time - Thanks, Anne S

The Guardian on Ridley: The late developer -- Ridley Scott didn't start making films until he was 40, but he's been cranking out a hugely varied list of hits ever since, from Thelma and Louise to Gladiator. As his new film American Gangster is released on the eve of his 70th birthday, he tells Stephen Moss why he's far from done yet - Thanks, Penny

Cassy at the CC Board has given this link to AG behind the scene pics at Outnow

Oz Related - Under that image gallery linked yesterday from the SMH from Susilawati, there are some stunning pictures of Australia in the 2008 Weather Calendar - Thanks, Roe

Portfolio.com: Hollywood Deal - Scott's Hit American Gangster--The Crucial Edit - Thanks, barbiecat

AICN: Moriarty’s Movie Marathon Continues! A Double-Feature of AMERICAN GANGSTER And MR. UNTOUCHABLE! - Thanks, Steph

From Zell in the UK: Just thought you would like to know that Russell Crowe will be Edith Bowman's special guest tomorrow, Thursday 8 November @ 13:00hrs

Variety: Strike impacting film marketing -- Latenight reruns mean stars can't plug movies

November 6

The Seattle Times: Woods that hid Robin Hood at risk - Thanks, Ellen in Seattle

ITN UK: Thoroughbreds have been given a run for their money on Australia's biggest race day - in the form of perky piglets. While the eyes of the rest of the nation were glued to the 147th Melbourne Cup, a Sydney rugby club decided to stage its own event. - Thanks, Steph

Related - Variety: "Earth" welcomes Jennifer Connelly - Jennifer Connelly has signed on and Kathy Bates is negotiating to star in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" for 20th Century Fox. Keanu Reeves has already boarded the sci-fi remake. - Thanks, Steph, Marilyn

Yahoo News on the Men's Journal article: Russell Crowe plans to be baptized - "Russell Crowe, who is 43, says he's planning to be baptized. "I'd like to do it this year," the Oscar-winning actor tells Men's Journal. "My mom and dad decided to let my brother and me make our own decisions about God when we got to the right age. I started thinking recently, `If I believe it is important to baptize my kids, why not me?'" Crowe says the baptism will take place in the Byzantine chapel he built at his country ranch in Australia for his wedding to Danielle Spencer in 2003. The couple have two sons, 3-year-old Charlie and 1-year-old Tennyson. "It is consecrated and everything," Crowe says in the magazine's December issue, now on newsstands. "Charlie was baptized there. And when Tennyson gets baptized there, I will, too." --- "I do believe there are more important things than what is in the mind of a man," he says. "There is something much bigger that drives us all. I'm willing to take that leap of faith."- Thanks, Kris C

From barbiecat: "Mary, the film soundtrack is now available at iTunes for download. On the main iTunes music store page, it's in the "new music" section at the top. Or one can search through the Soundtrack listings. I just downloaded it... great 70's sounds... I think it's a fantastic soundtrack, as it added so much atmosphere to the film, even though we only heard snippets of some songs."

The Sunday Mail UK Scan to right (Click for larger size) - Thanks, JoYo

Keith's Birthday is November 11. You may send him a greeting HERE

From Marilyn: An interesting AG-related tidbit:  Roger Bart, who portrayed the U.S. Attorney in AG, is opening on Broadway this week as the title character in the Mel Brooks muscial, Young Frankenstein.  Even in previews, the show has been doing boffo box office--so in effect, Roger Bart has two successful box office openings within a week.  Nice work if you can get it --- The NY Times: "First, a bulletin for anyone living under a rock: "THE NEW MEL BROOKS MUSICAL YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN" (oy, this title!) is already in previews and opens on Thursday. Leading a distinguished and funny cast in the remake of Mr. Brooks's 1974 film are Roger Bart ("The Producers") as Dr. Frankenstein and Shuler Hensley ("Tarzan") as the big green guy. Can Christopher Fitzgerald ("Wicked") rival Marty Feldman as Igor? In previews, opens Thursday, Hilton Theater, 213 West 42nd Street, Manhattan, (212) 307-4100, ticketmaster.com; $50 to $450."

From JoYo for UK fans: russell is on i.t.v. thursday morning between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. the programme is called This Morning

The SMH has images of the premiere at the Apollo and the screening in LA - Thanks, Susilawati

November 5

Daryl Howard has sent along information on some hotels in Jacksonville for January - The same information is also at the Crowe News Backup Blog (for sharing info in the comments sections)

Roger Ebert's review of AG: "...This is an engrossing story, told smoothly and well, and Russell Crowe's contribution is enormous (it's not his fault his wife complains). Looking like a care-worn bulldog, his Richie Roberts studies for a law degree, remains inviolate in his ethical standards and just keeps plugging away, building his case. The film ends not with a "Scarface"-style shootout, but with Frank and Richie sitting down for a long, intelligent conversation, written by Zaillian to show two smart men who both know the score. As I hinted above: less "Godfather" than "Wall Street," although for that matter a movie named "American Gangster" could have been made about Kenneth Lay." - Thanks, Ellen in Seattle

Stuff NZ: The Gladiator's Biggest Game Only On Maori TV -- SOUTH SYDNEY STORY premieres on Maori Television this Saturday at 9.00 PM and follows the fortunes of the club under its new owners, and examines the reason for them staging the biggest sporting coup in Australian history. - Thanks, Steph

Don't forget Ellen today!!!

The SMH: Red, Green and Indian - "SOUTH Sydney Rugby League Club owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court are set to extend their unorthodox foray into sports investment by buying into a franchise in the newly launched Indian Premier League cricket competition." - Thanks, Eve

Channel 4 UK: Showing LA Confidential November 11 (You can watch a clip) - Thanks, Pat

NY Times - Related: Jay-Z Finds Himself at the Movies

There is an obit in the NY Times today for a man who could have been the real life inspiration for the Chinese drug lord Lucas meets in Bangkok: Khun Sa, Golden Triangle Drug King, Dies at 73

Keith's Birthday is November 11. You may send him a greeting HERE (Click on "Sign the guestbook" on upper right)

The Times of India: "Crowe — cousin of former New Zealand captains Jeff and Martin Crowe — and businessman Peter Holmes a Court, who jointly own the South Sydney Rugby League Club, are about to buy into a franchise in IPL, the Australian newspaper Sun-Herald reported."

Box Office Mojo: (AG) - 'American Gangster' No. 1 with a Bullet ...In its marketing, American Gangster replicated the bravado audiences have appreciated in past gangster pictures, like New Jack City and Scarface (1983). Its black and white poster was even similar to Scarface's. Combining that quality with true crime and Seventies era trappings as well as Mr. Washington and Mr. Crowe in roles fitting their popular personas led to a broad appeal among mostly adults. Distributor Universal Pictures' exit polling indicated that American Gangster's audience was 53 percent female and skewed older with two thirds over 30 years old, while a quarter was 50 and over.

November 4

Thanks to Scarlot at MR, scans of the Men's Journal interview - December 2007

Variety: AG blasts box office -- Universal's Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe starrer "American Gangster" smacked the weekend box office, becoming the highest grossing R-rated crime-drama in history. Pollination of DreamWorks Animation's "Bee Movie" combined to give the film biz its first honey-sweet frame in nearly two months. Directed by Ridley Scott and produced by Imagine Entertainment, "Gangster" grossed an estimated $46.3 million from 3,054 locations, outpacing expectations and easily beating "Bee" for the No. 1 spot. It's the best opening for both Crowe and Washington, as well as the highest opener of the fall to date - Thanks, Marilyn (Similiar articles everywhere - Thanks, all - USA Today reports that 53% of the audience was female - Thanks, Anne S)

Box Office Mojo - daily box office for Sunday - Thanks, Kris C

The IMDb lists Tenderness as opening on November 30

Oscars Time Table - Awards Schedule in left column (SAG Awards may depend on whether there is a writers strike or not)

Fantasy Moguls: AMERICAN GANGSTER grabs $17.69M Saturday & headed for $46.4M opening; Denzel, Russell & Ridley w/likely all-time 8th best O.W. for an R-rated film -- "My sources tell me that exit surveys show that audiences love the movie. Given its 160-minute length and the fact that that older audiences don’t rush out on opening weekend to see a new film, American Gangster should have excellent “legs.” If the film manages to earn Golden Globe and Oscar nominations in multiple categories, that will boost business through the holidays and into the new year. Universal could expect as much as $175M-$185M in domestic business, which would make Gangster one of the all-time top 10 grossing R-rated films."

American Magazine Men's Journal (Story not on line) via WENN (Update: This bit appears in the American Magazine article, linked above, so it is a new story): CROWE: 'I'M A SHOPAHOLIC' -- Tough guy actor RUSSELL CROWE loves shopping so much he's convinced he has retail therapy "issues". The Gladiator star likes nothing better than hitting stores with his wife Danielle Spencer and selecting clothing items for her to try on. He tells American magazine Men's Journal, "I love going shopping. I have a black belt in it. My wife really appreciates that in me. "Whatever you need, mate, I'll get it. I can do the supermarket in six minutes. I can pick out the first nine things my wife would like to try on. "I'm not bragging - it's fact. I have retail therapy issues. But I am cool with that. I shop with a big smile on my face." - Thanks, barbiecat

Ellen's Web Site: November 5 Show -- "Academy Award winner RUSSELL CROWE is here. I'll talk to him about fatherhood (he has a new good parenting DVD), his rugby team and his new blockbuster movie, "American Gangster." Plus, Russell takes some candid questions from my studio audience. Wait till you hear his more than candid answers."

Morph Thing: Lacey Chabert to Russell

Related: The NY Times - Rivers of Blood in a Winter Wonderland - Thanks, Steph

iFIlm: Friday Box Office: American Gangster w/$16.5M, headed for $47M! Bee Movie targets $40M -- As far as R-rated films go, American Gangster will be one of the best openings ever. If the $47.7M number holds, Gangster will be the 7th-best all-time.

Reuters: Gangster" takes early lead at box office - Thanks, Kris C

From Sabry: I have some updated web galleries and videos, (pics from Sue & Howie) - please visit news page for details and links

Channel 4 (Fox) in Kansas City taped footage outside the Apollo Theater during the premiere of American Gangster, showing the scenes outside and the celebrity arrivals.  There's footage of Russell and Dani, as well as Denzel, Ridley Scott and the other actors.  Link here. - Thanks, Lady

Daily Telegraph au: Peter Holmes a Court has passion for South Sydney Football - Thanks, CGee

Hollywood.com: HOLLYWOOD - Whitaker to star in American Gangster TV off-shoot -- Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe's new movie American Gangster already has a TV spin-off, which will star another Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker. As American Gangster hits theaters, cable network Showtime has announced Whitaker will play Harlem drug lord Leroy Barnes in a new drama series called Mr. Untouchable.

November 3

Deadline Hollywood Daily: Friday: "I have early box office numbers for the top two movies tonight. I'm told Universal's American Gangster stole the show Friday by snatching $17+ million in domestic gross receipts at 3,054 theaters. The Imagine production filled with Oscar winners -- written by Steven Zaillian, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe -- should make "comfortably in the $40Ms" for the weekend and maybe even $50M. That makes this biopic drama the biggest R-rated motion picture opening in history for a movie that's more than 2 1/2-hours long (beating Troy's $46.8M and Gladiator's $34.8M). It's also Denzel's and Russell's biggest opening ever, and the second biggest drama in history to open in November (behind Eight Mile's $51.2M but ahead of Jarhead's $27.7M)." - Thanks flakeroo at MR

AZ Central: Friends of man portrayed in 'Gangster' rave about film - Thanks, Cindy - The original article has a high school yearbook pic of Richie Roberts - Great flat top cut - Thanks, arilyn

All Things Hi Def: Time for '3:10 to Yuma' on DVD and Blu-ray - Thanks, Cindy

IMDb: Body of Lies page - More cast members - Thanks, Ivani

The New York Observer: Girl on Film: Halloween Is Behind Us, But Gangster Continues the Bloodbath - American Gangster will remind you why we all made such a fuss over Mr. Crowe in the first place. Mr. Washington may have the showier hoo-ha part as the charismatic Frank Lucas, a notorious real-life Harlem hustler, but Mr. Crowe quietly shines as good guy cop Richie Roberts

November 2

MTV Movies: "Denzel Washington is a hugely charismatic star, but here he's straitjacketed by his character's inscrutable conception, even after he's paired with the sympathetic Puerto Rican beauty queen (Lymari Nadal) who becomes his wife. This leaves Russell Crowe, an even more formidable actor, to effectively run off with the story. We can see Crowe thinking, and feel the inner turmoil that's wrecked his own family life, and we're drawn in by his rich, magnetic baritone. Even for Crowe, however, the picture's conflicted setup is tough going, and he can't push it as far as it would require to qualify as a gangster classic."

AG - Seductive Crime - Review by Richard Schickel in Time: (Some historical insights) - "...Our love affair with wealth and fame is now untrammeled by doubts. It is our big good thing, and eventually Crowe's character, like the rest of us, must surrender to its cheerful demands. That makes American Gangster, which is rather leisurely paced but richly detailed in the way it pursues the minutiae of conspicuous criminality as well as consumption, a more disturbing movie than its makers may have intended. I don't think it attains the Godfather level — it lacks dark passion and grand-scale irony — but it is an intelligent, well-made and seductive movie." - Thanks, cabe s

Rotten Tomatoes AG Page (For all the reviews)

AG Review - The Wall Street Journal: "Lucas dominates the action, though that's not to suggest that Mr. Crowe is overmatched. (This formidable actor has never been overmatched, except by a few bad scripts.) He plays Richie as a perpetual high-school kid who happens to be fiercely intelligent. It's a big performance, and a beautifully modulated one -- I thought of Wallace Beery -- that makes the role seem more substantial than it is. During long stretches of the narrative, Richie's main function is to make shrewd assumptions about Lucas's M.O., which involves smuggling vast quantities of heroin into the United States inside caskets containing the remains of soldiers killed in Vietnam. (One of those assumptions leads to a thrilling sequence at a stateside air base.)"

A link for Late Night TV - Russell's only remaining appearance is on Ellen on November 5. He is home in Australia now

Hollywood Wire Tap: BEE' HAS STRONG BUZZ BUT 'GANGSTER' HAS PLENTY OF STING (VAR, FM) -- Although it’s hardly getting raves, advance buzz on Jerry Seinfeld’s “Bee Movie” is that it could top $40 million in its opening weekend. Meanwhile, Universal’s “American Gangster” is tracking close to $50 million. Coupled, the films could add some much-needed life into the domestic box office.

IMDb Daily Poll (CM) - Thanks, all

MSN Movies: Dolce's Inferno???? "Synopsis: Dolce's Inferno marks the feature production debut of Australian actor Russell Crowe, who reportedly bought the option out of pocket with his own money. The tale -- directed from a spec script by former UK Universal television executive Mark Staufer -- is a romantic comedy about a steel-tough, seemingly invulnerable Los Angeles gossip columnist shaken to his core when he falls in love for the first time. Release date 2009 ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide - Thanks, vsecin

The Washington Post Review: American Gangster': A Direct Hit

The Hollywood Reporter: "Gangster" shoots for top of box office - Thanks, Kris C

The UK Telegraph: Ridley Scott: My scraps with Russell Crowe - Thanks, Cindy

Constant Crowe Updates:  I have The Showbiz Tonight interview with Russell & Denzel, (very cool and thought provoking), I also have the TV Guide Channel's Big Movie Premiere show on American Gangster as well as a bunch of tidbits from telly and online!  Thanks to everyone for the head's-ups on the telly schedules and online addies needed to fetch everything:  Ivani, vsecin and Judy!

PR Inside: Universal Pictures and Gameloft to Bring 'American Gangster' to Mobile Gamers -- Gameloft, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, announced today a worldwide licensing agreement with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group to produce American Gangster: The Mobile Game based on Universal Pictures' upcoming crime drama, American Gangster. An Imagine Entertainment production starring Academy Award(R) winning actors Denzel - Thanks, Steph

IMDB: American Gangster is expected to float like a butterfly to the top of the box office this weekend without much worry that Jerry Seinfeld's animated Bee Movie will sting like a bee, industry The analysts are predicting. Today's (Thursday) Los Angeles Times quoted box office trackers and various industry sources as predicting that the gangster biography will "dominate" ticket sales. "The word around town is the film is tracking through the roof with urban audiences ... and urban audiences hold tremendous clout at the box office." Paul Dergarabedian, president of the movie tracking firm Media by Numbers told the Times. The Times, citing "several movie industry sources" said that the film should probably take in $40 million over the weekend. Its only major competion is Seinfeld's family-oriented Bee Movie. - Thanks, Kris C

Box Office Mojo Review: "...and that is part of its primary problem. With Mr. Washington as the title character—a powerful Harlem thug in fancy threads—with too many tiny roles built around him, there's too little time for the most compelling person: a policeman played by Russell Crowe."

GOSSIP -- E! on line: Ted Casablanca doing is usual bitchy thing - It's Blind Vice Friday! Plus, who’s Rusty Crowe bitchin’ at now? Hint: He’s slightly above the level of hotel concierge, this time round. - Thanks, Allison

November 1

From Jeannine: Chicago's blanketed with pirated AG copies -- "In an informal survey of my 50 young adult students at Malcolm X City College, one-third had already seen a perfect screener copy of "American Gangster," but they were jumping with excitement to see it on the screen. The word is definitely spreading that this is a must-see movie. All raved about the performances even though I told them I didn't want any details yet."

From Judy: According to today's USA Today, there will be an article on Russell in the December issue of "Men's Journal" which comes out Tuesday. And here is a Transcript of the NBC Dateline show plus web videos

Related: Paddy Considine (Cinderella Man) stars in a new HBO series

The NY Times Review - Manohla Dargis: Sweet, Bloody Smell of Success -- "Greatness hovers just outside “American Gangster,” knocking, angling to be let in. Based in rough outline on the flashy rise and fall of a powerful 1970s New York drug lord, Frank Lucas, the film has been built for importance, with a brand-name director, Ridley Scott, and two major stars, Denzel Washington as Lucas, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the New Jersey cop who brings him down. It’s a seductive package, crammed with all the on-screen and off-screen talent that big-studio money can buy, and filled with old soul and remixed funk that evoke the city back in the day, when heroin turned poor streets white and sometimes red....Mr. Crowe, his jaw thrust forward as aggressively as his pelvis, wears the white hat..."

AP: Music called the invisible character in film (AG) - The 1960s and '70s-era soul music featured in the movie, out on Friday, is its invisible character, says Kathy Nelson, president of film music for Universal Pictures, who helped put together the music for "American Gangster."

From Beez, Cindy, ann in providence: Charlie Rose will interview Russell, Denzel, Ridley and Brian tomorrow (Nov 2) on PBS stations.  Times may vary so check local listings.

VH1.com: 'American Gangster' Bootleggers Adding An Ironic Twist To Frank Lucas Flick -- Movies usually have a 24-hour window when it comes to piracy — but not this time around. - Thanks, Kris C

MSN Movies: Beyond Gladiator - On the eve of "American Gangster," we look back at Russell Crowe's roller-coaster life and career - by Frank Piava - Thanks, Lisa

Hello Magazine Weekly Most Attractive Man: Vote Here (Scroll) - Thanks, Petra

Variety: An American Tale - "A pair of Oscar-winners took center stage at the Variety Screening Series presentation of “American Gangster.” Producer Brian Grazer and scribe Steve Zaillian were on hand to discuss the ‘70s-set crime film, which features another Oscar-winning duo, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, on opposite sides of the law." - Thanks, Allison

Constant Crowe Updates:  I have Extra, ET, AH, E! News, Daily 10 clips from all the American Gangster coverage since Sunday, both from telly and online.  I also have the Leno, Dateline, HBO First Look and At The Movies vids along with a lot of other online and telly bits!  Thanks to everyone who has helped me out these past few days getting me the addies and schedules:  vsecin, Cindy, Steph, Judy, Penny, Silvia, Paola and Jean!!!

IMDb Daily Poll: November release to which you are most looking forward? - Thanks, Kris C

Calendar Live - 'American Gangster's' only foe is Seinfeld - The Ridley Scott drug dealer epic and the comedian's 'Bee Movie' have a lock on the weekend - Thanks, Steph

Movie Maker.com: DIY Digital Editing: To create simple but effective post-production visual effects without farming such work out to a facility, Diaz recommends additional compatible software programs including Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Director, Flash, and QuickTime. “After Effects uses a plug-in technology, so that as new effects become popular and available, you don’t have to buy a whole new program,” he noted. “Also, it works great with the most widely used digital imaging software, Photoshop. One film that used After Effects (and Photoshop) for its special visual effects was Virtuosity with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.” - Thanks, Allison

X on line: Two cute pictures of Russell and Charlie in the Halloween costume store - Thanks, Allison

The Envelope - LA Times: Russell Crowe is back, and better than ever? (with a photo gallery) - Thanks, Deborah

The Age: Holmes a Court launches new company - "The Passionate Group also said it would pursue activities in sports apparel through District Apparel Company, a 50:50 joint venture with actor Russell Crowe - who is a partner with Mr Holmes ? Court in the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team." - Thanks CGee

NY Times: A New Jersey Crime Story’s Hollywood Ending (Not the review) - Thanks, Longstockings Pippi

NY Daily News: 3 ex-N.J. police say 'American Gangster' rewrites history -- Three former New Jersey cops say they got short shrift in Denzel Washington's new movie about Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas. - Thanks, Steph

EW Photo Gallery: Russell Crowe: His Road to 'American Gangster' - Thanks, Allison