"Here For A Reason..."

Film fans are saddened this morning by the news of the passing of actor Glenn Ford. The acclaimed actor had featured roles in the movies Gilda, Blackboard Jungle, and The Big Heat. He also won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy for 1961's Pocketful Of Miracles.

While Ford appeared in many westerns, usually as the hero or town sheriff, he is perhaps best known for his role as Superman's adoptive father, Jonathan Kent, in 1978's Superman: The Movie.

Glenn Ford was 90 years old.

Bauer Power

FOX's 24 was the big winner last night at the 58th Annual Emmy Awards, as the show nabbed awards for Oustanding Drama, Outstanding Lead Actor (Keifer Sutherland), and Outstanding Directing (Jon Cassar).

Another big winner was HBO, whose Elizabeth I grabbed four trophies, with wins for Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Lead Actor (Jeremy Irons), Outstanding Lead Actress (Helen Mirren), and Outstanding Directing (Tom Hooper).

Some of the big surprises of the night included a win for The Office as Oustanding Comedy; and Alan Alda as Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Arnold Vinick on The West Wing.

Even more surprising was the performance by Emmy host Conan O'Brien who was fantastic from beginning to end with bits that included an opening song and dance number that ridiculed Emmy host network NBC; and a threat to kill Bob Newhart if the show ran over.

For the record, the Emmys finished right on time this year. Bob Newhart is alive and well.

Paramount & Tom Cruise Part Ways

The Mission Impossible series. Top Gun. The Firm. Let's face it, Tom Cruise has made a lot of money for Paramount studios. But the 14-year production deal between Cruise/Wagner Productions and Paramount Pictures came to an end yesterday when Paramount annouced that they were ending their relationship with Cruise.

To add insult to injury, Viacom (which owns Paramount) chairman Summer Redstone was quoted as saying that Cruise's "recent conduct has not been acceptable to Paramount."

In response, Cruise's agent Rick Nicita stated "What this says about Paramount is self-evident. It was graceless and it was shocking and offensive."

Plane Takes A Dive...But Still Claims #1 Spot

A word to the studios out there: internet hype alone can't open a movie. At least it couldn't for Snakes On A Plane which, despite being a film that actually lived up to all the hype, could only manage an opening of $15.25 at the North American box office.

The take was enough to help Snakes win the weekend, but only if you count the $1.4 million it got during Thursday night showings of the movie. If you compare only the Friday through Sunday numbers, Snakes actually finished second to Talladega Nights, the Will Ferrell comedy, which was in its second week of release.

While many excuses may be made as to why Snakes didn't succeed, little blame should be placed on the movie itself - which really delivers. Full of action, comedy, thrills and some of the best one-liners Samuel L. Jackson has ever uttered, those who missed out (or will miss out) theatrically on Snakes will probably regret it once they catch up with it on DVD. It's one of the few summer flicks that is worth your time and money.

Bruno Kirby Dead At 57

Best known for his role as Billy Crystal's pal in the movies City Slickers and When Harry Met Sally, character actor Bruno Kirby died yesterday at the age of 57 from complications due to leukemia.

Kirby also made his mark in such movies as The Godfather Part II, This Is Spinal Tap and Donnie Brasco. Kirby was most recently seen on the HBO series Entourage.

Robin Williams Checks Into Rehab

Comedian Robin Williams has checked himself into rehab in order to deal with his ongoing battle with alcoholism.

In a statement released by his publicist, Mara Buxbaum, she confirmed that Williams was seeking treatment but had been sober for 20 years before these recent problems. Buxbaum said that Williams "found himself drinking again and decided to take pro active measures".

She also confirmed that Williams plans to get back to work as soon as possible following his treatment.

J Lo Leaves Dallas

Southfork is looking for a new Sue Ellen, as Jennifer Lopez's publicist confirmed today that the star was no longer attached to the big-budget theatrical version of Dallas, due in theaters next year.

The movie, which will be directed by Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha, has already locked-in John Travolta in the role of evil oil magnate J.R. Ewing. Currently, Luke Wilson is in negotiations for the role of Bobby Ewing, while Marcia Cross is being considered for Pamela Ewing.

The original Dallas television series ran on CBS from 1978 to 1991.