In absence of Bette Midler to play lawyer, HBO film on Phil Spector falls to Plan B: Helen Mirren (NY DAILY NEWS)

DAVID HINCKLEY

PASADENA, Calif. — No Bette Midler?
No problem. Just ring up Helen Mirren.

When Midler had back problems that forced her to drop out of HBO’s upcoming movie on Phil Spector, titled “Spector,” the producers fortunately had a Plan B: Mirren.

We should all plan so well.

The British actress is better known for elegant BBC productions than the crazy world of the convicted record producer, which premieres next month. But she told TV critics here she enjoyed the ride — and that having no time to research the role wasn’t a problem.

“It’s a strange amalgamation of imagination and reality,” Mirren told TV critics here. “The imaginative part, I think, is as important as the realistic element.”


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