I don't think this is a case of a big star taking a role on TV for the paycheck. Mr. Box Office -- I gave him that name based on the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series alone -- Harrison Ford has agreed to star in a CBS film called Crowley. The picture is a true story, based on the case of John and Aileen Crowley, whose children are afflicted with a rare genetic condition. They seek the help of researcher -- Ford's character -- who may have the cure.

The book on which the Robert Nelson Jacobs (The Water Horse) screenplay was written is called The Cure. The original idea came from a Wall Street Journal article and book by Geeta Anand. The director is still being negotiated, but Tom Vaughan is the prime candidate. Considering his last film was What Happens in Vegas, I hope they keep looking. Ford will be executive producing the film as well as playing the scientist.

Not surprisingly, CBS is hoping to get this film into production fast. Ford's got another film prepping -- Crossing Over with Sean Penn -- which will take a lot longer to shoot than a TV movie. Also looming out there is the potential SAG strike. If the union has not settled with the producers by June 30, a strike may occur.

CBS has traditionally been a great place to TV movies, so this would seem a great get. After all, Harrison Ford is currently riding high (pretty high) with the latest Indiana Jones movie. However, CBS recently dumped two big star vehicles -- Sybil and Vinegar Hill -- on Saturday nights in June. Presumably, a Harrison Ford movie, even if he's only in a supporting role, will get much more prominence. I'm thinking November sweeps if they can get it shot and edited by then.

UPDATE: This is not a TV movie after all. It's a theatrical release that's being done by CBS Studios.