You’ve got to wonder . . .
. . . If Susan Sarandon’s bashing of President Bush and the war in Iraq had anything to do with the poor showing of her movie, “Ice Bound,” which aired this past Sunday on CBS.
“Ice Bound,” the true story of Dr. Jerrie Nielsen – who was diagnosed with breast cancer while at the South Pole – averaged only 8.9 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m., finishing behind both ABC and NBC.
You’ve got to take into account, though, that “Ice Bound” was up against old warhorse “The Ten Commandments,” which averaged 12.2 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m. and 10.6 million viewers overall (7-11 p.m.) with Charlton Heston as Moses.
NBC’s solid block of “Law & Order” and “Boomtown” actually beat ’em both, averaging 13 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m.
Go ‘Inside’ Baghdad Bob’s office
Documents from the office of former Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saed al Sahaf – better known as “Baghdad Bob” or “Comical Ali” – have been discovered by “Inside Edition.”
Yes, that’s right – “Inside Edition.” “IE” reporter Paul Boyd, who’s been over in Iraq covering the war, was one of the first American TV correspondents to go inside the Iraq’s Ministry of Information and found hand-written messages and drawings believed to be from Saddam Hussein – indicating Saddam would personally write speeches for al Sahaf to be read on Iraqi TV as the war began. Boyd’s report airs tonight (1 a.m./Ch. 11).
‘ET’: The wedding planner
“Entertainment Tonight” has partnered with Warner Bros. and Modern Bride magazine for a contest to hype the opening of “In Laws,” the new movie starring Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks. A lucky winner and his/her fiancee will win a trip to Hollywood to get married on the red carpet of the “In Laws” world premiere on May 19. The winning couple will also receive a wedding dress and wedding bands courtesy of Modern Bride.
Douglas has taped some promos for the contest which begin airing on “ET” tonight (7 p.m./Ch. 2). Etonline.com has details.
McCarton School: Larry’s fine
Comedy Central president Larry Divney will be honored May 12 by The McCarton School at its “A Celebration of Learning” benefit at The Regent Wall Street Hotel. The event will be hosted by “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, with Al Franken providing entertainment. Call (212) 581-1400 for tickets.
Elsewhere on the rubber-chicken circuit, CNN anchor Leon Harris will emcee the T. Howard Foundation’s 10th Anniersary Fundraising Dinner, honoring Ted Turner, May 19 at Cipriani.
Last, but not least . . .
* Tomorrow on Discovery Channel (10-11 p.m.): “Missing: Prisoner of Iraq?” about Navy pilot Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, who some believe is still alive after being shot down during the first Gulf War in 1991.
* Friday at 9 (Ch. 7): Diane Sawyer interviews the Dixie Chicks – Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire – about their bashing of President Bush and the war in Iraq.
* Ch. 7 staffers are welcoming back managing editor Liz Aiello, who returns today after taking time off to care for her newborn twins. Her husband, Tony Aiello, is over at Ch. 2.
* Stand-up comic Steve Lazarus, who doubles as a beer man at Yankee Stadium, interacts with Carson Daly on Friday’s “Last Call” (1:35 a.m./Ch. 4) in a few skits.