MOVIES - June 19, 1993

Dino Millions: “Jurassic Park” is expected to reach $100 million in ticket sales sometime today, the fastest for a movie to ever reach that milestone box-office mark. The Steven Spielberg horror movie about dinosaurs on a rampage in a fictitious theme park will be in its ninth day of national release today and had a preview on the evening of June 10. The previous record holder was “Batman” in 1989, which hit the total after 10 days of national release and one preview. Universal Pictures, the distributor of “Jurassic Park,” reported that the film’s opening three days set an all-time record of $50.2 million. From last Sunday, the film’s ticket sales continued to sizzle during what normally would be slower weekdays. The $100-million figure means roughly 20 million Americans have seen the movie. (And what is the public saying about the film? See Letters on Page F4.)

POP/ROCK

Pepper Upper: Wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too? A Red Hot Chili Pepper, that is. The L.A. punk-funk band has placed an ad in the L.A. Weekly soliciting candidates to take the place of guitarist Arik Marshall, who was fired last month. “If you truly believe you are it call 213-726-1325,” reads the half-page spot, featuring doodled artwork by bassist Flea’s young daughter, Clara. Lindy Goetz, the group’s manager, says the ad, addressed to “boys and girls” and admonishing “no wheedlers,” was taken out after auditions failed to turn up “the perfect person for the job.”

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Record Separation: A & M Records’ chairperson Jerry Moss and vice chairperson Herb Alpert announced Friday that they’re relinquishing their current executive roles at the label they founded back in 1962 in order to pursue other interests. The decision was described as an amicable agreement with Alain Levy, president and chief executive officer of PolyGram, which purchased A&M; in January, 1990. A&M; Records was born in Alpert’s garage with the release of the hit “The Lonely Bull,” recorded by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

STAGE

Tune Time: The Los Angeles booking of “Tommy Tune Tonite!” has been tentatively rescheduled for Sept. 7-12 at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills. The previous July 9-11 booking at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood is canceled, as Tune continues to recover from a May 27 foot injury. However, July 13-14 performances at Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa are still on; Tune is expected to resume the tour there--and end it at the Wilshire. Pantages ticket holders can obtain exchanges at point of purchase.

TELEVISION

CNN in Romania: Romania’s first privately owned television channel, called Channel 31, will go on the air July 1, dominated initially by news and sports broadcasts from the U.S. Cable News Network. The channel is also negotiating with the Romanian broadcasting authority for a license to air its own Romanian-language news programs in addition to CNN.

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TV Games: A new nighttime version of “The Price Is Right,” history’s longest-running game show, is scheduled to premiere in the fall of 1994. Produced by Paramount Domestic Television and Mark Goodson Productions, the show will feature a modified format from its daytime counterpart. . . . USA Network is also planning a new game show, called “Talkabout,” on weekday afternoons beginning June 28. Hosted by radio and TV veteran Wayne Cox, “Talkabout” features contestants talking for 20 seconds on such diverse topics as popcorn and poodles to uncover 10 hidden word clues.

PEOPLE WATCH

Apology From Elton: Pop star Elton John apologized to 35,000 Israeli fans Thursday at a concert delayed by a day after he fled the country due to a brawl between his bodyguards, fans and photographers. He returned after some coaxing from Israeli officials and the British ambassador, and receiving assurances his security would be guaranteed. “I am sorry for any inconvenience. It was regrettable. I do apologize for my part in it,” John told his fans at Tel Aviv’s HaYarkon Park.

QUICK TAKES

Roger Clinton, younger brother of President Clinton, has accepted a roll in Trimark Picture’s “National Lampoon’s Last Resort,” which begins production immediately in the Southland. Clinton will play Gino, a “not-too-bright” hulk of a brute with a soft spot. . . . Recording artist Yanni, representing 94.7 KTWV-FM, The Wave, will present a check to Richard Gere, member of the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s National Council, representing the proceeds from the sales of the “Wave Aid 6” CD and cassette. The presentation takes place today just prior to Yanni’s performance at the Greek Theatre. . . . Dan Aykroyd and actress-wife Donna Dixon are the parents of a baby girl, Belle Kingston Aykroyd, who was born in Santa Monica last week while Aykroyd was filming “My Girl II.” Their other daughter, Danielle Aykroyd, is 3. . . . Billy Dee Williams filed for divorce Thursday from his wife of 20 years. The 56-year-old actor, who starred in “Lady Sings the Blues” and two “Star Wars” movies, cited irreconcilable differences. He and his wife, Teruko, have no children.