But something fascinating occurred when Madonna arrived, something I’ve never seen before. There was one frantic cry — “She’s here!” — when she stepped onto the red carpet and slowly made her way in, talking to media and posing. And then, a kind of eerie silence descended. The cameras kept flashing (and flashing!) but the standard loud demands that she move closer, look this way, hurry up! were muted. The photogs even stopped fighting and elbowing among themselves. It was almost as if they feared she’d turn and leave if they didn’t give her some respect and breathing space. One grizzled and usually rude paparazzi said, “She’s not like the rest of them … she’s the queen. She’ll give us what we need.”

And she did.

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Inside, before the film rolled, Madonna spoke: “You know, sometimes when you are successful in one area — I don’t mean to toot my own horn — other people seem to think you should never try anything else, never reach up or further in your career or life, and I say … f—k what other people think!” (This attitude is reflected in the movie itself, which was written by Madonna and Dan Cadan. It is evident  especially in the character played by “Filth and Wisdom’s” fantastical leading man, Eugene Hutz, who is funny, sexy, repulsive and oddly, endearingly vulnerable.)

The audience seemed to enjoy the movie; certainly they circled Madonna afterward and covered her with praise. Then it was off to the Thompson LES Hotel where M and her party were immediately put into a corner banquette. This tiny airless area became clogged with friends, would-be friends, fans and your standard looky-loos. It seemed claustrophobic to the max, but Madonna was as relaxed as a milkmaid in an open field. This has been her life for a quarter century. She probably doesn’t even notice the crush. (Though she’d sure as hell notice if it vanished!) 

Everybody who had the nerve got a look at Madonna or threw her a word or two, over the heads of her security. But Lindsay Lohan had the jitters. Twice she said, “I’m going over,” and then changed her mind. “I can’t, I can’t … it’s too much.” In the end, they “chatted briefly.” ( Listen,  Elizabeth Taylor finally admitted a few years ago she was too awed by Barbra Streisand to ever speak to her! Stars – in so many little ways, just like us.)

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Film fans, memorabilia mavens and admirers of the late great Bob Hope will adore the auction of property from Hope’s life and career, on October 18 and 19, put together by his daughter, Linda. This happens at the Beverly Hilton, benefiting U.S. veterans through the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation. (Dolores was Bob’s divine wife of many, many years.)

And what property it is! There’s great stuff from Bob’s golf collection, including a Tiffany sterling silver golf club given to the actor on his 95th birthday by NBC. There are rare photos, furniture, suits, ties, T-shirts, boxing gloves and hockey sticks autographed by great sports stars, presidential-seal cufflinks from Richard Nixon, a rattlesnake-encased pen holder, smoking jackets, hats of every style (including a sombrero), exotic souvenirs from his world travels, his makeup case. The beautifully photographed catalog alone is priceless and a genuine collector’s item. For info on the event contact Darren@juliensauctions.com.

Click here on this text to read my New York Post column.