A judge in the US has decided that a computer-altered photo of Dustin Hoffman in a cute yellow dress is no laughing matter – and isn't protected by the Constitution.  
The judge has given Hoffman's lawyers the green light to continue an action against Los Angeles Magazine for violating his publicity rights by publishing the retouched photo. A drag for Hoffman, which ever way you look at it... 

***** 

What the papers said 

"It is undeniable that there is more familiarity between the world of French producers and that of the Cannes selection committee [than with the Americans]. One would really have to be naive to imagine that between the two there is a sophisticated and florentine system of pressure, threats and other exchanges of favours." 
Liberation newspaper, 13 May  

"Cannes is the rumour market, but the Palmes d'Or do buy notoriety."  
Pascal Rogard, president of ARP (the Association of writers, directors and producers) in French financial daily La Tribune 

"I am not the Trojan horse of the Americans!"   
Francis Boespflug, director of Warner Bros. Transatlantic Inc, speaking to Le Figaro today about Warner's intentions in Gaul. 

***** 
 

The last episode of Seinfeld has not even screened (tonight's the big night) and actor Jason Alexander, who plays George Costanza, is already in denial. That's Kushner-Locke's Denial, a comedy drama directed by Adam Rifkin which stars Alexander alongside Patrick Dempsey, Jonathan Silverman and Christine Taylor. Denial receives its first market screening this morning. 

Alexander, who has always been one of the most active of the Seinfeld cast on the big screen and the stage, is also committed to produce and star in a "zany comedy" Officer Bob, about an amiable simpleton who dreams of becoming a police officer. 

***** 

BB gets the blues in Cannes 

On Saturday night, King of the Blues BB King will play at Universal's lavish party for Blues Brothers 2000. The winner of seven Grammy awards and an inductee into the Rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame, King plays Malvern Gasperson in John Landis' sequel to The Blues Brothers (1980). BB will play with the entire Blues Brothers Band, which will be conducted by Paul Schaffer. Although the film's less than stellar box office in the US, this evening's party is bound not to disappoint.  

The Universal team has transformed the Palm Beach Casino into a musical paradise. "There will be different music in each room," says Universal's Nadia Bronson. "One theme will be the Queen Mousette, a Louisiana voodoo lounge, and another room will feature gospel singers." The film's stars, Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman, will be attending. Alannah Weston 

***** 

The best of times, the worst of times 

George Guignard, director of photographers for the Cannes Film Festival, and his deputy, Olivier Louyot. The two men with the unenviable task of controlling up to 350 photographers at the official photo calls. 

What is the best thing about your job?  
GG: The famous shot of Madonna that was taken on the Palais steps. 
OL: Knowing that the photos from a call you have organised are seen  
around the world within hours. 

And the worst? 
GG: When nobody turns up to a photo call. 
OL: The first day – it's a nightmare!