Murder Most Foul at the Museum

The Scene: The black-tie fund-raising dinner at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Saturday night. The evening was filmed as part of director Robert Altman’s “The Player,” a “satirical thriller” from Avenue Pictures.

The Plot: Tim Robbins plays a beyond-Machiavellian studio executive who murders a screenwriter and proceeds to romance his victim’s girlfriend (Greta Scacchi). In the scene filmed at the party, he takes her to a black-tie benefit. The guests at LACMA--movie stars and museum patrons--were invited to play themselves as background for the action. The actors played their scenes while food was served, the band played and the usual benefit-type speeches were given. “I’m letting what happens happen,” said Altman. “I’m not trying to manipulate.”

Who Was There: Perhaps the most exotic group of extras working free in film history. Among the three-dozen stars on hand were Cher, Rosanna Arquette, James Coburn, Nick Nolte, Joel Grey, Buck Henry, Teri Garr, Jeff Goldblum, Henry Gibson, Malcolm McDowell, Elliott Gould, Mimi Rogers and Martin Mull. Representing the museum were board of trustees chairman Dan Belin and wife Daisy; Gerald and Iris Cantor, Charles and Barbara Woodford, John and Margot Bogert and Julius and Anita Zelman. “There aren’t many people who can say they had Cher as an extra in their movie,” said screenwriter Michael Tolkin.

Instructions: “Most of what we’re shooting will end up on the floor anyway,” said Altman to the cast just before the party. “What we’re looking for are little gems. We’ll find them. You can’t plan them. Just trust me.”

Quoted: “Everyone always has fun working with Bob Altman,” said Buck Henry. “Of course, that can be the kiss of death on a film. But you do have a good time.”

Pastimes: When guests speculated about the possible real life model for the film’s murderous main character, a studio executive’s name was mentioned. Malcolm McDowell dismissed the choice by saying, “Him? No way. He’s killed many more than one.”

Hollywood Moment: Cyd Charisse became disenchanted with her role as an extra. She left, trailed by Cesar Romero imploring her to stay and the museum’s Japanese-art curator, who ended up calling her a cab.

Money Matters: LACMA patrons contributed from $250 to $2,500 each for their big break in show business. More than $45,000 was netted for the museum’s film program.