Return of Battle Over Prop. 51

As Yogi Berra said, “It’s like deja vu all over again.”

Remember last year, when the doctors and the trial lawyers and their backers spent a close-to-record $10 million plus fighting it out over Proposition 51. The so-called “deep-pockets” initiative passed, putting limits on the liability of doctors, manufacturers and cities, all backers of the proposition along with insurance companies.

But it’s not over. In fact, insiders say that next year could bring not one, but two similar measures to the ballot, a more likely one in June, and then another go-round in November.

The June initiative, one person familiar with it explained, is “basically much broader, covering contingency fees, a lawyer’s bread and butter . . . basically a wide-ranging reform of the tort system.” No one is yet sure whether or not all the former participants on the pro side will sign on for this next fight.

Now the question is: How deep are the pockets of doctors and of lawyers who now have to produce the cash for yet another massive campaign--or two.

UPCOMING ECSTASY--For those movie junkies who spend non-working hours haunting the 18-theater Cineplex Odeon at Universal--and bemoaning the lack of a great burger to make the American cultural experience complete--stop worrying. Rumor has it that that rock ‘n’ roll experience with food, the Hard Rock Cafe, will be opening at Universal Studios next year. . . .

A second hot Hard Rock rumor is that “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels will be putting together, with the financial help of Coca-Cola, a world-wide prime-time TV special called “Live at the Hard Rock.” And you thought it was hard to get in for a burger before.

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS--Burt Lancaster and Lily Tomlin head up the committee for the Sept. 12 benefit for the Actors’ Fund. Prepare for a glitz-ridden night, as the Italian design firm Fendi underwrites the entire splashy evening. Gregory and Veronique Peck, Jack Lemmon, Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Burt Reynolds, Mary Martin and her son, Larry Hagman, are all expected at the party at Beverly Hills’ Robinson Gardens, at which one of the glamorous Fendi sisters, Carla, will be the hostess. It’s all part of Fendi’s big launching of its new fragrance--and the night before, the firm will be underwriting a massive post-performance party at the opening of the San Francisco Opera.

P.S.: remember that the Actors’ Fund, the oldest theatrical charity in the world, expends more than $3 million annually.

CELEBRATING--It was a reunion, and it was rejoicing, when at least two dozen graduates of the American Film Institute Directing Workshop for Women turned up at L’Hermitage Wednesday night. Celebrating particularly was honored producer Gale Anne Hurd, who gave and raised the money to ensure the continuation of the program, now in its sixth cycle. Among prestigious women who turned up were Lee Grant, Randa Haines, Karen Arthur, Viveca Lindfors (whose “Unfinished Business,” was shown at the Berlin Film Festival) and Jeannie Firstenberg, along with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeff Berg, Scott Ruden and “ La Bamba” star Lou Diamond Phillips.

ONCE MORE, WITH BRAND NAMES--The Kitchen Cabinet keeps a rather low profile these days, but expect them out in force Sept. 13 when White House favorite florist David Jones, along with designer Kalef Alaton, put together an auction of art and antiques benefiting the American Cancer Society. The party, which will be held on one of L.A.’s most fashionable blocks, Melrose Place, has First Lady Nancy Reagan as its honorary chairperson; Sotheby’s International will conduct the auction.