Shatner changes mind, won't come to R.I. Film Festival
12:45 PM Tue, Aug 04, 2009 | Permalink
Email
 |
 |
Projo 7 to 7 News BlogTaking the news pulse of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, by Providence Journal and projo.com staff, from 7 to 7, every business day |
|
Get the 7 to 7 on your mobile at www.projo.com. Twitter: projo | RSS | Email alerts
« Woonsocket schools, council put off deficit fight |
Main
| 12th Providence killing; PD says hospital blocked probe »
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- William Shatner is not coming to the Columbus Theater Thursday to introduce his film, William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet, and to accept the first Nathanael Greene Humanitarian Award from the Rhode Island International Film Festival. George Marshall, founder and executive director of the 13-year-old film festival, said Tuesday with frustration in his voice that it was a "last-minute'' decision that he had first heard about over the weekend when he received a terse e-mail from Shatner's "personal handler'' saying that due to Shatner's "contractual obligations for an upcoming film project,'' he would be unable to attend the festival. Marshall said that he spent Monday trying to see if there were some way Shatner could be persuaded to come. Marshall said Shatner's agent did not know about the change and was trying to reschedule a time later in the year when the star of Star Trek, T.J. Hooker and Boston Legal could come to Providence. Because things looked bleak over the weekend, however, Marshall said the festival began refunding the $5,000 in advance ticket sales. He spent Monday in conference with members of the Council for the Humanities, which was going to split the $15 ticket price 50-50 with the RIIFF, at Rhode Island College, which had planned to present Shatner with its President's Medal. "We even knew what flight he was going to be on,'' said Marshall. "He had even asked to have chilled red wine and ice water in his hotel refrigerator. We had a reception planned at the Aurora Club,'' which is near the Columbus and where Shatner was going to stay for an hour or so between the presentation of his humanitarian award on stage and the screening of his film. The film, said Marshall, will still be shown. 
CommentsLeave a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
Tags 
New comments
New photos
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
That stinks! Boo, William Shatner!
Report Abuse
Shatner had picked up the NYT's and saw the tent people living under the Washington Bridge. After learning that the wine he was going to be served at his RI hotel was "Eye of the Storm", he decided to cash in some points he got via Priceline and stiff us.
Good reason to book your next trip on Orbiz!
Report Abuse
Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirk what wrong with RI???!!!
Report Abuse
Very unprofessional. Tsk, tsk.
Report Abuse
The Shatner will do what the Shatner will do. It is not for us to judge this noble beast.
Report Abuse
Now, now! He really could be stuck on a movie set and can't leave. Let's be nice. I'm only hoping I can get priority ticketing if he does come at another time. I was sad to see my refund!
PS - Kudos to the organizers who made it the Nathanael Greene Humanitarian Award. Yay, Nate!
PPS - "Kiiiiiiiiirk!" You cracked me up, Jack.
Report Abuse
Good for him
Report Abuse
Kiiirk!!! Answer us!
Boost power, lieutenant!!! We need to contact him!! :-) :-)
Report Abuse
Good riddance. He's not much of a draw out of his star fleet uniform, anyway. Get somebody with talent.
Report Abuse
Maybe George Takei was right . . . ?
Report Abuse
Your voice to be heard should start with this..
FanMail@WilliamShatner.com
Report Abuse