A Hot Night--but Few Stars

The Scene: Well, there must have been something else going on Thursday night. The turnout for the premiere of Hollywood Pictures’ “Unstrung Heroes,” directed by Diane Keaton and starring Andie MacDowell, John Turturro and Michael Richards, wasn’t nearly as hot as the weather. This period film, a bittersweet, Woody Allen-esque tale about a boy’s coming-of-age in the early ‘60s amid family tragedy and oddball relatives, was screened at the Writer’s Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, followed by a party at Kate Mantilini down the street.

*

Who Was There: There were clumps of vacant seats in the 525-seat theater, but even with the usual post-screening attrition, it was elbow room only at Kate Mantilini. Director Keaton and lead man Turturro were missing in action, so keeping the cameras happy were cast members MacDowell, Richards, Maury Chaykin and Nathan Watt. Also present were Jerry Seinfeld (well, sort of. He spent most of the time hunkered in his booth) and Ed Begley Jr. The fete somewhat compensated for its flagging celebrity turnout by hosting a veritable Yalta Conference of executive clout--Michael Eisner, Joe Roth and Mike Ovitz.

*

Chow: There was a buffet stacked with pancakes--the film’s edible leitmotif--as well as white chili, shrimp salad, and fruits and veggies. Waiters cruised the party with period treats such as meatloaf.

*

Cool Props. Did You Take Any Home?”Diane Keaton has got a wonderful eye,” said MacDowell. “She was very good in helping me choose pieces of jewelry. I could’ve taken the earrings, but I didn’t ask for them.” Said Richards, “No, the only thing I took home were my friendships I made with John Turturro and Andie MacDowell and the rest of the gang.” And, 11-year-old Nathan Watt, who plays the young boy in the film: “Yeah, they gave me some of the Hi-Bounce balls and some stuff like an old camera.”