THE GLOVED ONE MEETS TUTTI FRUTTI

Michael Jackson is hoping to exec produce a film on the zany life story of rocker-turned-preacher Little Richard (Richard Penniman), said a source close to Jackson. If an agreement can be worked out, the film would utilize the Little Richard songs acquired in Jackson’s recent purchase of ATV Music (see next item).

It’s “something we’re going to do,” said the source, who saw no conflict between Jackson’s squeaky clean image and that of Penniman, who has publicly acknowledged his previous drug use and homosexuality. “Michael loves Little Richard’s music.”

Jackson also hopes to get involved in a “Strawberry Fields” animated feature, in development with ITC Films in London, which would utilize a number of characters from Beatles songs.