Douglas plays stroke victim in pic

GOOD MORNING: Kirk Douglas nixed the idea of playing an Alzheimer's patient in "Sundowning," the Total/Miramax feature he starts in Reno next week. Instead, Douglas chose to play a man who's suffered a stroke in the pic. "I think it'll be difficult to play," laughed Douglas, recovering from a stroke and daily demonstrating it can be done. The pic's story has Douglas as a onetime prizefighter -- so, for flashbacks, scenes will be shown from "Champion," directed by Mark Robson, produced by Stanley Kramer and starring Douglas, who got a 1949 Oscar nomination. He was paid $15,000 for that pic, which established him as a major star. Douglas will be 82 on Dec. 9 and will celebrate on the Reno location with wife Anne and family, including sons Joel, Michael, Peter and Eric. Michael doesn't start working in his college prof role in "Wonder Boys" until January. Thursday night Michael kept the Gotham paparazzi popping as he escorted the gorgeous Alessandra Ginther to Sandra Bernhard's "I'm Still Here ... Damn It!" bow at the Booth ... Meanwhile, Douglas, pere, proved his wit and wisdom as he accepted his Distinguished Artist Award at the BevWilshire Wednesday night by paying tribute to the other four honorees. He gave thanks to Jerry Herman, his Palm Springs neighbor who allows him to use his tennis court; and to Ann Reinking, "with whom I dance in my sleep." Praise to composer Lalo Schifrin, and to Garth Brooks: a colleague from the musical world, since Kirk recorded the hit "A Whale of a Tale" from "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Clips from several Douglas films brought him on stage to an always-deserved standing ovation.

WHAT IS CLUB 100, the benefactor of the above dinner? It's a support group of the Music Center to promote the performing arts in the community through education, advocacy and fundraising. The org raised $250,000 Wednesday night from the event chaired by Eunice (Mrs. Hal) David. Louise Epstein is Club 100's prez. Mary Hart femceed the program of honorees: Jerry Herman was intro'd by Betty White, while Nancy Dussault and Karen Morrow duetted alongside Herman at the piano on "The Best of Times." Gregory Hines intro'd Ann Reinking, who praised the supportive L.A. community. Martin Landau, who starred in TV's "Mission: Impossible," brought on Lalo Schifrin, who composed its theme (and hundreds of other scores) and he obliged by 88'ing his "Mission." Forest Whitaker intro'd a very humble Garth Brooks, who paid tribute to his always-supportive family. Jay Leno offered some blue humor for the black-tied crowd, such as "I'm not interested in the Monica Lewinsky interview with Barbara Walters on '20/20' -- unless she (Lewinsky) shows her technique on Hugh Downs!" Jay seriously noted the day was one for his memory book, having interviewed John Glenn in space earlier in the day and then intro'd Kirk Douglas at the BevWilshire in the evening. Scott Mauro produced and co-directed the evening, Walter Grauman directed, with other credits to Roxanne Messina Captor, Kathie Coen, A.J. Carothers, musical director Rudy Varon, clip packages by TV is OK Prods. and "Gofer," Hal David!

PRESIDENT CLINTON CALLED from the White House Thursday afternoon to thank Norman Lear for his People for the American Way national ads urging people to vote. And for the theme of one commercial Lear produced, "Let's Move On." Obviously the voters agreed. The work of the People for the American Way continues, reminds Lear, "Eternal vigilance is the price for liberty." He noted that the Minnesota election of onetime wrestler Jesse (The Body) Ventura "was an indication of the disenchantment with both parties (in Minnesota). And the media, too, failed to see the reality of the simplicity of (reasoning behind) his win." And yes, Lear is still very much in showbiz, with his banner readying a "couple" of films next year. "We have some great scripts," he promises ... How's this as a break for the "Town & Country" company shooting in Sun Valley: snow started falling for scenes that needed it -- just as special f/x men were revving up the snow machine motors. The pic's Idaho locations include the North Fork market, where "Bus Stop" filmed with Marilyn Monroe. In the Halloween scene there, Jenna Elfman came dressed as Monroe. Garry Shandling's movie home is the reason for the location and Garry takes time off from the pic (which has several more weeks to film) to fulfill obligations to p.a. his book, "Confessions of a Late Night Talk Show Host, The Autobiography of Larry Sanders as told to Garry Shandling" (Simon & Schuster), with David Rensin. The book is as funny as the (late) show. Example: "Sanders" writes: "There is only one interview that I've never done -- that I hope to do -- that I look forward to doing. My interview with God -- I know that God will want to be in control of the interview, much like Warren Beatty, who let's say was never an interview I looked forward to." More from "Sanders" about Garry Shandling's pal, Warren. "He's gay. If I'm wrong, may God forgive me." "Sanders" also promises, "I'll be back." Hopefully not only in re-runs.