Davis' widow settles with Uncle Sam

GOOD MORNING: The $7.5 million that Sammy Davis Jr. owed Uncle Sam has finally been settled and Altovise Davis now has clear rights to Sammy's life and legacy. And, through Altovise's attorney Al "Sonny" Murray, Gary Smith (Smith/Hemion Films) and David Wolper have acquired rights from her to Sammy's life story, which they plan to film as a miniseries. It will not be a documentary -- in addition to an actor (who?) playing Sammy, the mini will contain actual footage of Sammy singing and dancing integrated in the 4-6 hour mini. Gary Smith's past association with Davis includes seven specials, and the previous teaming with Wolper includes the giant "Liberty Weekend" in '86 plus the SAG 75th anni ... It has been a long, hard struggle for Altovise to have reached this financial breathing space. Attorney Murray, a former federal prosecutor, said, "She displayed enormous courage in refusing to declare bankruptcy and to have achieved the point where there would be no further harm to Sammy's name and legacy. Now she's free and clear." Murray did not accept the challenge to represent her until after Altovise had undergone rehab herself; the legal battle has been four long hard years. When I spoke to her two years ago, she had already been absent from Hollywood three years. (Sammy died May 16, 1990.) While in rehab, she said, she worked for minimum wage in various places "in a kitchen, or saleslady for women's clothes," etc. Attorney Murray, in researching the Sammy Davis Jr. troubles, says he discovered "so many people had raped and pillaged this man." He says Altovise is now trying to pull the family together and has formed a Sammy Davis Jr. Foundation. "The challenge," says Murray, "is to give a rebirth to his legacy as the greatest single all-around talent of this century." It is hoped to have the iniseries ready in time for the 75th anniversary of Davis' birth, Dec. 8, 2000 ... As noted here previously, Quincy Jones and Leslie Bricusse also have a B'way Sammy Davis Jr. musical in the works.

HE'S GONNA DIE WHEN HE SEES ME!" exclaims Michael Douglas of the expected reaction from his father, Kirk. Michael has added 15 pounds, let his hair grow long and greyed, he wears thick glasses and unfashionable wardrobe for his current role in Par's "Wonder Boys." Michael is wearing but one hat, as an actor, in the romantic comedy produced by Scott Rudin and Curtis Hanson (who also directs), written by Steve Kloves. Douglas admits the pic is "not a big-budget" epic, but the formula for his salary remains the same. Howcum he's doing it? The script by Kloves. "It's one of the better parts I've ever had. I'm happy, and it's a nice tight sked -- 52 days." It's all shot in Pittsburgh and he's been working nights -- in every scene for five weeks. That includes working in a snowstorm Wednesday night when, of course, they had snow-making machines set to work! He's also enjoying the fact son Cameron (21) is working on the film as a p.a. on camera. This third-generation Douglas may also go for acting lessons. Michael points out he didn't start acting "until I was 23." He next co-stars in his banner Furthur Films' "Still Life" for Universal, with Mimi Leder directing him and Meryl Streep. And also preparing to produce-only "Night at McCools" for October Films ... United Friends of the Children holds its first Brass Ring Awards March 11 at the BevWilshire, with Carol and Frank Biondi and Ted Forstmann receiving the awards from Gov. Gray Davis and Mayor Richard Riordan, respectively. Jay Leno headlines and Donald Sutherland intro's the UFC video, which he also voice-over'd. Nancy Daly (Mrs. Richard) Riordan is founder (20 years ago) and chairman of United Friends of the Children. Son Brian Daly and Cindy Doran were married Feb. 20 at the BevHills Hotel in the Crystal Ballroom.

DREW BARRYMORE, WITH A MONKEY named Moe perched on her chest, adorns the Sunset/San Vicente billboard to kick off Vanity Fair's Hollywood (April) Issue. The mag's publisher Mitch Fox and Ermenegildo Zegna host a Cedars-Sinai benefit for C.O.A.C.H. for Kids March 17 at Zegna's, Rodeo Dr. where guests may cast Oscar ballots; the winner gets $5000 in Zegna items ƒ Lauryn Hill's first global solo concert "Miseducation Tour" is sponsored by Giorgio Armani's new Emporio Armani Fragrances (for Him and for Her). Armani has also done extensive wardrobing for Hill ... Miramax Films establishes a $100,000 scholarship at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts to help undergrad film students from N.Y.C. Bob and Harvey Weinstein attended S.U.N.Y. schools: Harvey in Buffalo, Bob in Fredonia ... Tracey Gold and RobyMarshall welcomed son Bailey Vincent M. Thursday at Tarzana Medical Center. Tracey, former star of "Growing Pains" and many telefilms, appears in People mag's 25th anni issue as one of those who conquered anorexia nervosa. She is the oldest daughter of agent Harry Gold and wife Bonnie ... Neil Norman, who has produced more than 20 "Star Trek" soundtrack albums for GNP Crescendo Records, is touring Brazil with his Cosmic Orchestras featuring vocalist Tim Russ, star of the "Star Trek Voyager" series ... There's nothing weird about this news: Disney Channel has picked up 26 new segments of "So Weird" starring Mackenzie Phillips.