Kokomo Tribune
Heiress says Midler is wrong for part
Frlday, Aug. 22, 1986
Art Work: Charles Little
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – CastingBette Midler to star in the film about the V e n e z u e l an freighter that beached in the posh backyard of heiress Mollie Wilmot has shocked the jet – s e t t i ng socialite.
“She’s a wonderful actress, but she’s terrible for the part,” Wilmot said when she learned who would portray her in Walt Disney‘s Touchstone Films production “Palm Beached.”
Wilmot wouldn’t say why the Divine Miss M was wrong for the part or disclose who she’d prefer instead.
Wilmot, technical adviser for the f i l m, also said she was distressed that producer David Permut discussed the film publicly and that she wasn’t consulted about casting.
A spokesman for Midler, Mark Stern, said the heiress’ worries are premature. The script isn’t ready and a production date or location haven’t been set, he said.
Midler recently starred as a rich housewife in Disney’s first movie for the ma i n s t r e am ma rke t, “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.
The look screams, “OVER IT!”