Page 18 Thursday, August 10, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Arts & Entertainment Star Gazing Can’t Buy Me Love Screenwriter Michael Swerdlick Brings Pride Pen and Ink By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

To Former Hometown of Scotch Plains The Strife Is Over! Robert Downey, Jr. By JOSH HAMERMAN receiving a law degree from Slayer,” in a supporting role. Finally Gets Jail Release He Deserves Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Pepperdine University and pass- Can’t Buy Me Love was released SCOTCH PLAINS — “He went ing the bar exam, he began work later that year and grossed $40 Now that Cell No. 17 at the Substance Abuse Treatment from like, totally geek...to totally as a lawyer only to find that it was million in the United States and Facility in Corcoran, Calif. is void of actor Robert Downey, Jr., the world chic.” Sound familiar? That line not for him. $100 million worldwide. The Times is a better place to live. Welcome was uttered in the 1987 teen angst He then became employed by of Scotch Plains-Fanwood ran a ARTIST OF THE WEEK back to the actor who, despite his movie Can’t Buy Me Love which the William Morris Agency, one of front page story in honor of Mr. troubled past which he has con- included rising stars Patrick the largest talent agencies in the Swerdlick’s accomplishments on quered with flying colors, has de- Dempsey, Amanda Peterson and world, at its Los Angeles office first September 10, 1987. Bruce Willis lighted me in his roles in Chances Seth Green, among others. as an assistant and then as an After achieving success on the silver screen, Mr. Are, Only You, In Dreams, The Pickup But the true celebrity (1955- ) Artist and Home for the Holidays with associated with the flick Swerdlick signed on is traced to screenwriter as a writer for the By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN that flair and gleam in his eyes that Michael Swerdlick who ABC TV series Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times simply no one can duplicate. grew up in Scotch Plains “Doogie Howser, Wisecracking Bruce Willis made Somebody get Los Angeles County and penned Can’t Buy Me M.D.” under the su- female cheeks blaze and hearts Municipal Court Judge Lawrence Love. pervision of televi- skip beats with his flirtatious por- Mira a working calculator. Erring Anyone who has seen sion mogul Steven trayal of private eye David Addison miserably, Mira forgot to figure in the the movie, which takes Bochco. Later, he in ABC’s “Moonlighting” during the mid-1980s. But, he proved his some 323 days that the Oscar-nomi- place in a cliquey high joined the writing nated actor had already served in a school filled with nasty team of FOX TV se- ability to come back with a bang as ries “Parker Lewis well as his versatility when he lock-down drug rehabilitation facil- teenagers, has probably helped a youngster who claimed ity. Downey, who should have been asked the question, “Is the Can’t Lose” and wrote for the popu- “I see dead people” in The Sixth released in February, was, according plot of Can’t Buy Me Love Sense. based on the life and times lar teen drama to Mira’s miscalculations, supposed The big brother to three other to leave prison in November. of Mr. Swerdlick as a stu- “Beverly Hills, siblings, Willis was born in Idar- dent at Scotch Plains- 90210,” also on FOX. Oberstein, Germany. The family So, what did he do with those extra Fanwood High School Mr. Swerdlick also returned to the U.S. when Willis’ months he spent in prison? Accord- (SPFHS)?” produced the televi- father was discharged from the ing to a recent article in Vanity Fair, No way! He graduated sion films The Army in 1957. The family settled Downey slaved five days a week as from SPFHS in 1974 and Whereabouts of in Carneys Point and Willis, who a cafeteria worker or on dish- has only flattering memo- Jenny and The Com- suffered from a stutter, attended puter that Wore Ten- washer detail for about 3 1/2 hours ries of his experiences high school in nearby Penns Grove a day. His paycheck? Eight cents an there. Michael Swerdlick, seen here with his proud mother, Ruth, nis Shoes, and served where he was active in drama clubs “The Class of ’74 was a during her visit to Los Angeles, has enjoyed screenwriting as a writer on the and took on the role of student hour. Other sources have reported very special class,” he re- success on the big and small screens. ABC TV show “Boy council president. that an alleged sexual harassment called. “Everybody got Meets World.” When Willis discovered his and stabbings have been endured along and there was no friction agent. During his tenure at the His second movie script, Class flair for acting, it gave him the by Downey. He maintained his between anybody. It was a really agency, his clientele included Tyne Act, grew into a film that starred confidence to articulate himself spirits by drawing portraits and supportive group. SPFHS was the Daly, Robert Reed and Michelle rap duo Kid ‘N Play, and hit movie on stage and conquer the stub- born stutter. Before he was dis- writing to fans who sent their sup- complete opposite of the school in Phillips, as well as Janine Turner theaters in 1992. It earned $20 port and words of encouragement. and Sharon Stone, early in their million at home and $50 million covered, however, Willis was a Can’t Buy Me Love.” factory worker, band member, All this while, other actors and If SPFHS was golden for Mr. careers. globally. It was while working as a talent Mr. Swerdlick continues to write security guard and bartender. actresses with the same, if not worse, Swerdlick, where did he find the Though he attended Montclair types of narcotics and alcohol prob- inspiration to write a screenplay agent that Mr. Swerdlick received film screenplays and television pi- State College, he quit in the middle about an unpopular teenager who his calling to become a screen- lots, even though most of them are lems and offenses, are as free as of his junior year. When an audi- Robert Downey Jr. pays a girl in the popular crowd to writer. still in development. tion for a role in Desperately Seek- birds. Going to Hollywood parties, date him? “When you represent actors and “As a screenwriter, less than one ing Susan proved to be unsuccess- shopping on Rodeo Drive, taking in “I was working as a lowly assis- actresses,” he explained, “you read quarter of what you write gets ful, he landed the role of Addison a movie’s world premiere. It’s a slap on the wrist for Halle Berry, who should tant at the William Morris Agency a lot of scripts. Through osmosis, made,” he explained, “This occurs in “Moonlighting” instead. The be tripping over her conscience when she strides down the red carpet. It’s and, when I would go to Holly- I learned how to be a writer.” mostly as a result of studios either hard work paid off. the same for Darryl Strawberry, who despite his cancer diagnosis, jumped wood parties, nobody would give Mr. Swerdlick’s first screenplay not being able to sign big names to Many Die Hard and Look Who’s rehab sentences just like Downey with no excuses made to anyone. me the time of day,” he said. “Once, was originally called Boy Rents star in projects, losing interest, or Talking films later, plus a divorce Now that justice has been served, my thoughts are with the actor who I invited a friend of mine, who was Girl but he later changed the title not feeling that it is financially from brat packer Demi Moore, to Can’t Buy Me Love. He became sound to pursue them. You’re still Willis found his comeback in the has served more than enough time learning his lesson. I, just like many a beautiful model, to accompany of his other fans, pray that Downey will keep walking the straight and me to one of these parties. When a William Morris Agency client, paid, of course, even if your script role of a psychologist who aided a she was standing next to me, ev- and, with his agent’s help, the is not made into a movie or televi- young Haley Joel Osment. He was narrow and piece his life back together. eryone suddenly wanted to be my project received studio backing sion series.” also well-received during some As for Mira, can he give Downey back those months of life that he friend. I thought to myself, ‘What if from Walt Disney Pictures. Mr. Swerdlick’s film screenplay recent cameos in NBC’s “Friends.” unjustly served? Ah! Therein lies the true crime. this happened to a high school Production began early in 1987 Home Run, which has nothing to student?’” with Dempsey and Peterson cast do with baseball, was written for So, before the dawn of the 1990s, as the lead characters and Seth Paramount Pictures and took place Green, who can be seen in the in Scotch Plains. However, Home On The Beat Can’t Buy Me Love originated. WITH ANDY GOLDENBERG Mr. Swerdlick did not start out in Austin Powers movies and on the Run is still in development. the entertainment industry. After TV series “Buffy the Vampire Scotch Plains has left a lasting impression on the screenwriter. “Whenever I write a script that MGM Video Releases Woody Allen’s takes place in a suburb, I always WYACT Returns to Kean’s think of Scotch Plains. If there is a scene that is supposed to be filmed Slapstick Comedies to Keep Us Amused in a pizzeria, the first place that comes to my head is Alfonso’s, By ANDY GOLDENBERG Another archival release from MGM — Love & Death, Sleeper Arts Incubator Project and, if I have to describe a fancy Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Paramount in widescreen format and Bananas. No home video restaurant, I base that description Searching For Bobby Fischer, a is American Gigolo starring Rich- collection will be complete with- on the Stage House. I use Scotch DVD recently released by Para- ard Gere. Finally, one of out these essential comedies. Plains as a template for suburban mount Home Video, is the heart- Paramount’s DVDs I am looking Finally, 20th Century Fox Home With The life in my scripts.” felt and touching story about a forward to Entertainment brings us the clas- In addition to Home Run, there seven-year-old who happens to watching is The sic Butch Cassidy & the Sundance WESTFIELD — As part of Kean corporate a revised libretto ap- are other works by Mr. Swerdlick be a chess prodigy. Paramount Talented Mr. Kid starring Robert Redford and University’s second annual Arts proved by the estate. with references to his hometown. also brings audiences the Ripley starring Paul Newman. Presented in full Incubator Series, the Westfield This will be the official premiere In an episode of “Beverly Hills, widescreen version of The Firm, Matt Damon, anamorphic-widescreen splen- Young Artists’ Cooperative The- of the revised work in the state 90210,” Ian Ziering’s character the thriller starring Tom Cruise Gwyneth dor, this special edition DVD atre (WYACT) will perform Cole of New Jersey. Steve Sanders answered a phone and Gene Hackman. The picture Paltrow and comes complete with a 45-minute Porter’s The Gay Divorce tomor- Synopsis of The Gay Divorce: call and said as a joke “Hello, and audio quality are superb. Jude Law. documentary as well as audio row, August 11, Alfonso’s Pizzeria” and the cast From Elektra commentary by director George Saturday, August While traveling constructed a homecoming parade Entertainment Roy Hill. 12, and Sunday, abroad, American float similar to the one that the comes the stun- Recently released, standout CD August 13. novelist Guy SPFHS Class of 1974 made for its ning S&M star- releases include the long over- All performances Holden falls in homecoming ceremony. Coming Next Week: ring Metallica with the San Fran- due America box set, “30 Years will be held at 7:30 love with a beau- Despite his Hollywood acco- cisco Orchestra. This double disc of America,” from Rhino Records. p.m. in The Zella tiful lady named lades, Mr. Swerdlick does not want Pen & Ink will take a look set is what makes the DVD for- This 3-disc gem includes every Fry Theatre at Kean Mimi who myste- his work on a movie or television into how the entertainment mat so special as it contains a song a fan would want including University in riously disappears series to be on his tombstone. industry gets involved in poli- multitude of different camera “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Union. after their initial “I just want to be remembered tics. Star Gazing correspondent Golden Hair,” “A Horse With No Josh Hamerman will detail his angles as well as a 45-minute “WYACT has meeting. When he for being a good person and for documentary. Combined with Name.” An infor- been selected for later runs into her interview with actress Sally doing the right thing,” he admit- Kirkland. Take the Stage corre- startling audio and video quality, mative biographi- the second year for at a seaside resort, ted. this DVD is one for the archives. cal booklet is also she mistakes him spondent Kerrianne Spellman the Kean University Cort will give her review of I was shocked to hear how well part of the pack- Arts Incubator for the paid co- Please send all A&E the orchestra mixed with such age. Nice job respondent whom WYACT’s The Gay Divorce, and Project because of News, Story Ideas to: correspondent Jamie Dougher hard rock music. The sound engi- Rhino! WYACT’s excel- she has hired to [email protected] will interview Scotch Plains neers deserve special kudos for Epic/Legacy lence and commitment to the facilitate her divorce. band “Six Go Home.” being able to capture every sonic brings us two re- highest levels of theatrical art. Other colorful characters in- nuance without distortion. mastered classics This year, Kean is especially clude Guy’s lawyer friend, Teddy Anchor Bay Entertainment from guitar wiz- pleased to host WYACT and its Egbert; oft-divorced friend and brings us the outrageously funny ard Jeff Beck in- production of The Gay Divorce, protectress, Hortense; and the Kentucky Fried Movie from the cluding “Truth & as the play upholds the Cole idiot co-respondent Tonetti, zany Zucker brothers who Beck-Ola.” Each Porter tradition, a mainstay in whose motto is “your wife is safe The Main Ingredient brought us Airplane. Comprised album features American music,” said Susan with Tonetti - he prefers spa- of numerous comedy skits, this Ron Wood, Rod Stewart, as well Appelbaum, Arts Incubator ghetti.” DVD had me rolling in the aisle, as cameo appearances by Nicky Project Director. The hit song from the produc- (well, actually my basement Hopkins and John Paul Jones. Cole Porter is recognized to- tion, “Night and Day,” became Lowfat Apple Pudding couch as I do not really have an In addition, some country mu- day for the incomparable Tony an even bigger hit in the late aisle in my home!) sic legends get the royal re-mas- Award winning Kiss me Kate. He 1930s and survives as one of the 1/2 stick of butter 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom Columbia Home Video has just tered treatment with “Love, God offered a string of hit shows such celebrated standards of musical 1 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt released a stunning concert DVD & Murder,” a 3-disc theme com- as The New Yorkers, Anything theater. 2 eggs, beaten 2 1/2 c. Golden Delicious apples, from the late great Jeff Buckley pilation of Johnny Cash classics Goes, Jubilee, Red Hot And Blue, The Arts Incubator Project is in 1 1/2 c. flour peeled and grated entitled Live in Chicago. Recorded as well as the epic in concert Dubarry Was A Lady and a musi- its second year at Kean Univer- 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 c. raisins at the Cabaret Metro in May of album “Johnny Cash at San cal comedy in two acts, The Gay sity. The only Incubator in the 1 tsp. lemon rind, grated 1/2 c. pecans, chopped 1995, this performance perfectly Quentin” recorded at (well you Divorce. country to be housed on a uni- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon encapsulates the ascent of the can do the math!). This deluxe Originally cast with versity campus, the Project seeks reworking of the album includes Using a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add young singer songwriter. as Guy and as Mimi, to provide much needed space MGM Home Video has just re- nine bonus tracks not featured The Gay Divorce opened and ran for high level pre-professional eggs, lemon rind, baking soda, flour, cinnamon, cardamom leased some classic Woody Allen on the original album and the for 248 performances at the Ethel New Jersey theatre organizations. and salt and fold in. Stir in apples, raisins and pecans. Grease DVD titles including Manhattan, liner notes are excellent. Legacy Barrymore Theatre in New York Participating groups are se- a 1 1/2 quart pudding mold. Spread mixture in mold and co-starring Diane Keaton and is earning their name with this City in 1932 and became a popu- lected competitively in Decem- cover firmly. Place mold in large pot, adding boiling water Mariel Hemingway. Manhattan release. lar film, Gay Divorcee, starring ber for participation during the until halfway up sides of the mold. Cover pot and bring to a offers a funny yet poignant look Speaking of Legacy, Willie Astaire, , summer months. boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Remove pudding at twisted relationships in the Nelson’s classic 1975 concept al- WYACT is a non-profit organi- and Edward Everett Horton. from the pot and cool for 10 minutes. Remove pudding from setting of . bum “Red Headed Stranger” has WYACT’s production will in- Continued on Page 17 mold and place on serving dish. Serve warm. Serves 10. Perhaps the finest Woody Allen just been re-mastered and ex- slapstick films also come from Continued on Page 17 CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK