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phil spector biopic
Helen Mirren Replacing Bette Midler in HBO's Phil Spector Biopic
by Catherine Lawson, posted Jul 19th 2011 6:30AM
HBO's untitled Phil Spector movie just got even starrier: An Oscar winner has taken over from an Oscar nominee (and winner of multiple Grammy Awards) in a pivotal role.Last week production on the biopic was suspended after Bette Midler had to pull out on doctors' orders. Now it's been reported that her replacement is none other than 'The Queen' star, Helen Mirren.
Mirren will play Linda Kenney Baden, a defense attorney who represented disgraced music producer Phil Spector during his first trial for murdering Lana Clarkson.
Turmoil at HBO's Phil Spector Biopic: Bette Midler Quits, Murder Victim's Friends Threaten Action
by Catherine Lawson, posted Jul 13th 2011 8:15AM

Although star Al Pacino has been spotted out and about in full Phil Spector garb (see right; thanks to 'Entertainment Weekly' for the heads up), HBO's Spector biopic has run into trouble after co-star Bette Midler quit.Production was suspended Tuesday after she failed to turn up for filming, and Deadline reports that Midler had to pull out on doctors' orders after suffering a herniated disc.
David Mamet told the crew that HBO and the insurance company were looking at recasting the part, which has since been confirmed by the cable network.
Mamet wrote the film, which is being exec-produced by 'Rain Man' director Barry Levinson.
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