HOW ABOUT THIS for the plot of a novel? Famously unpleasant woman is called "the most hotheaded, ruthless woman" in publishing. She physically and verbally abuses her staff. She is having an affair with a married NYC official who dresses in drag at times. She has made "a fortune by producing tabloid-inspired blockbusters." Then along comes a girl who takes on an editorial job under this "foul-mouthed, uber-demanding, tantrum-throwing" tyrant. The aide has her own private life, engaged to a dreamy guy from Goldman Sachs, even though she is really in love with a sensitive unrecognized writer genius. And on it goes. The plot may be shopworn and the characters obvious but author Bridie Clark swears that none of it is about her onetime real-life boss, Judith Regan. Warner Books brings "Because She Can" out on Feb. 12, but they, too, caution this is not about the very much alive and litigious Judith Regan. It is only a coincidence that first-time novelist Bridie Clark's last job was as an editor at ReganBooks. (She has also worked at Vanity Fair, New York magazine and Simon & Schuster.) Clark lives in New York, is married and "Because She Can" is her debut fiction. Many say it is "laugh-out-loud funny."
MADONNA WILL HOST a special screening today of "Arthur and the Invisibles," the new animated film by Luc Besson, at Tribeca Cinemas. The lady herself, plus Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel, Jimmy Fallon and others lend their voices to this movie. Kids from schools supported by Robin Hood and Kipp and Achievement First will make up the audience ... Robert Kennedy Jr. says he has "stopped counting the people who have written or told me they left the theater in tears after seeing the film "Bobby." "They say they are newly inspired." Kennedy thinks Emilio Estevez's Golden Globe-nominated movie is "the perfect homage to my father and a wonderful gift to his family."... Beyonce will appear Jan. 31 in NYC to present Bill Roedy, vice chair of MTV, with an AmFAR award. It happens at Cipriani 42nd St., also honoring AmFAR'S philanthropic co-founder, Dr. Mathilde Krim, as well as Sharon Stone, MAC cosmetics honcho John Demsey and Whoopi Goldberg. Richard Gere, Garry Shandling and Woody Allen will also be among the presenters. Call 212-806-1612.
WATER. WATER. WATER. And an occasional glass of champagne." That's Jessica Biel's beauty regimen, revealed at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Biel is reportedly dating Yankee star Derek Jeter, but the actress's rep warned, "Please no questions about her personal life." People asked anyway. Biel's automaton response was "Just working. No, Valentine. I'm good." ... Bebe Neuwirth, dancer-singer extraordinary and serious dramatic actress has returned to the old Rialto to once again star in "Chicago." She is recovering from a serious hip operation, and is now assaying the central role of Roxie Hart.
E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@aol.com
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