Cinefile

JoBeth Williams has signed to play Bob Goldthwait’s girlfriend in IRS Media’s “Shakes the Clown.” Goldthwait has written and will direct and star in this comedy drama about an alcoholic clown. Shooting is scheduled to begin Aug. 20 in L.A. IRS Media President Paul Colichman will produce along with Ann Goldthwait, Bob’s wife.

Meanwhile, IRS Media has cast Isaac Hayes to play the twisted chaplain of Rod Steiger’s private death row in “The Chair,” a black comedy about revenge and the electric chair. The film, which also stars Heather Graham and Zelda Rubenstein, begins this month under the direction of Sam Irvin for producer Randy Gale.

Ornella Muti will play Sylvester Stallone’s wife and Art LaFleur one of the character roles in “Oscar,” the John Landis comedy that lenses in September for Disney’s Touchstone Pictures. Stallone plays a gangster trying to go straight.

Ken Russell will direct Theresa Russell (no relation) in Vidmark Entertainment’s “Whore,” which he and Deborah Dalton adapted from the play by David Hines. Cameras roll Aug. 20 in L.A. Renaldo Vasconcellos and Dan Ireland are the producers.