MOVIES - Dec. 6, 1993

No Doubt About It: The Robin Williams cross-dressing comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire” didn’t drag at the box office--the 20th Century Fox film held on to the No. 1 spot for a second weekend, taking in $15.3 million, according to early industry estimates. There was a steep drop to second place--Warner Bros.’ “A Perfect World,” starring Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner, grossed $5.7 million. In third was Paramount’s “Addams Family Values” with $4.6 million, followed by Disney’s “The Three Musketeers” with $3.7 million. “Carlito’s Way” from Universal was fifth with $2.6 million.

More ‘Mata Hari’: Another version of “Mata Hari” is on the way. RKO Pictures announced that it has signed a deal with Robert Altman and his production company to make a new film about the legendary spy. Altman, who has the option to direct, produce or do both, promises a new take on the story of the Danish Mata Hari who entertained French troops while secretly working against France for the Germans during World War I. The first “Mata Hari” was made in 1932 and starred Greta Garbo. In 1962, Jeanne Moreau starred in a production of the story; Cannon Films did a version in 1985. The latest incarnation will begin production when Altman is finished with his current projects--”Pret a Porter” and “Angels in America.”

TV & VIDEO

Letterman on Video: Even though David Letterman is now a CBS guy, his former network, NBC, is still making money off him. A 10-year deal for worldwide video and laser-disc rights to “Late Night With David Letterman” has been reached between NBC Enterprises and GoodTimes Home Video. As part of the agreement, GoodTimes will market videos from among NBC’s 11-year collection of Letterman’s late-night talk shows; a release date for the videos was not given.

Tom Arnold Explains ‘Wedding’ Plans: So you’ve already heard that Roseanne and Tom Arnold will “marry” a female employee. Now the Associated Press says the Arnolds have disclosed the reason for the ceremony: to poke fun at rumors that Tom Arnold had an affair with the woman. The Arnolds issued a statement last week confirming the plan to make their marriage a threesome by including Kim Silva, their twentysomething assistant. But they didn’t put the proposal into context. The rumor about the affair began while Tom Arnold was away filming the movie “True Lies,” then it found its way to the news media. “We aren’t going to get mad about it. Kim’s mom was upset at rumors, so we said we had to make an honest woman out of her, make the family feel good,” Arnold said. No date has been set for the mock wedding, but it will probably will be conducted in Los Angeles.

POP/ROCK

Nice Words from Ice: While some rappers are getting a bad rap these days, Ice Cube is out to do good. The rapper will visit Locke High School in South-Central Los Angeles today to speak with students about self-respect and self-love. These themes will be reflected on his new album, “Lethal Injection,” due out on Tuesday. The injection he wants to give to the students is one of positive ideas: “I want us to respect and love ourselves before we can love anyone else,” he said.

Bogart’s Part II: Bogart’s, the Long Beach rock club that closed its doors this week, may not be dead. A Los Angeles promoter, Mike Giangreco, is negotiating with Bogart’s owner Richard Greco to acquire the club’s sound system, liquor license and the rights to its name. If the deal is worked out, Giangreco would reopen the club in a new location. Its current home, the Marina Pacifica Mall, is slated for sale and renovation.

Oh, Christmas Tree: Country singer Charley Pride will be the featured performer when he joins President and Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday in Washington to light the national Christmas tree. Pride will sing traditional carols during the event. Other who will attend include performers who have kicked-off the tree-lighting in the past: Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Shirley Jones, Andy Williams and Loretta Lynn. And the guy with the beard saying ho-ho-ho will be none other than Willard Scott of NBC’s “Today” show.

Devilish: Randy Newman is developing a musical adaptation of “Faust.” Don Henley will be Faust, James Taylor will play God and Newman himself will take the plum role of the devil. They will be joined by Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt. The musical will be released as an album next summer.

Hello, Operator: Garth Brooks fans trying to buy concert tickets by phone tied up telephone service in parts of three Midwestern states. Telephone systems in southeastern Illinois, southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky were overloaded for about two hours Saturday, said General Telephone in Illinois. All three Brooks concerts scheduled for Evansville, Ind., quickly sold out.

QUICK TAKES

Talk-show host Maury Povich will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the National Commission Against Drunk Driving in a ceremony in Washington today. He’s the first TV personality to receive the award; past honorees include Nancy Reagan and Betty Ford. . . . Charleton Heston will be given the Hollywood Women’s Press Club award for the individual who presents the best image of the entertainment industry--on Saturday in Los Angeles.