Woody’s newie speaks easy
COLE Porter: “Another op’nin’, another show.” Woody Allen: Another season, another movie.
Woody: “‘Café Society’ takes place in the late-1930s era of after-hours, gangsters, celebrities, politicos, socialites, late-nighters. It’s showgirls, Champagne, furs, rich people out till 5 a.m. in El Morocco, Stork Club, jazz joints and LA’s Ciro’s, Mocambo, [Boston’s] Cocoanut Grove.
“Jesse Eisenberg’s character goes from working in his father’s Bronx jewelry store to Hollywood’s cabaret business. Kris
ten Stewart plays a secretary who hits wealth and success. Steve Carell’s a big agent with Garbo, Tracy, Lombard, Bette Davis-type clients. And Blake Lively’s role is of an elegant divorcée who’s into cafe life.
“I shot lots here. I love sleeping at home, not in a hotel. I know the city, the spots. But its rules frustrate. Some areas you can’t film for a long period. Forced to leave scenes unfinished, you then have to double back again later.
“I work inexpensively. I could’ve saved money, which I could’ve then put into the movie itself. For instance, Cleveland or North Carolina’s cheaper, but you work where the project dictates. Out of town’s intrusive. They mob you. In this town, they’re sophisticated. They just walk past. Only New York has New York flavor. “A problem here was no hangout nightclubs to use. Riviera, Toots Shor’s, all gone. I investigated every spot possible. We had to build an upstairs-downstairs classic Manhattan saloon, with a striped background like the old El Morocco, in a Bronx garage. You’ll be amazed. We built a glamorous, big-time club from empty space. Not one inch of it is real. “That world’s all finished. Who stays out late anymore? Now peo- ple are home streaming. Working computers, phones. No nightlife. It’s all gone.”
“Café Society” has a private screening July 13 and opens July 15.
Familiar fruit
A Chelsea street-vendor shopper recognized civil rights lawyer Ron Kuby buying a banana. Kuby was as elated as if he’d won a case . . . OLD O.J. memory. One hotel waitress refused to serve when O.J. ordered room service. He’d stand there naked. It creeped out the staff . . . FYI: Hotshot theater restaurant, more than one in the area, is Bobby Van’s. Just letting you know ... ALSO letting you know, New Hampshire homes — dozens of them — took turns lighting fireworks around Lake Winnipesaukee. Wonderful to see Americana celebrating our country.
Bits & pieces
QUESTION: Colbert returning in next season’s late night? Trevor Noah making return engagement? . . . BETWEEN B’way and West End on 72nd, in front of Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Yoko Ono being helped from a black limo. Three aides aided her . . . SO ask what Salman Rushdie did all those long years in hiding. Write something historic? He’ll answer: “No. I spent time playing Nintendo” . . . VAL Kilmer, whom we haven’t seen in a film lately, is back to do a movie in New York.
OBAMA finally realizes how serious our huge deficit is. Unwilling to appear friendly enough for an e-mail, word is on election night he might send the new president a congratulatory telegram — collect.
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.