New Line's Literary Lunch

As multiplexes start bulging with holiday blockbuster hopefuls, New Line sought to highlight the literary pedigree of its entrant in the B.O. derby, "The Golden Compass," at a lunch Monday at Gotham's Four Seasons Restaurant.

Charlie Rose and Nora Ephron hosted the Peggy Segal-curated event, which honored Philip Pullman for his series of "His Dark Materials" books, which New Line is hoping will succeed "Lord of the Rings" in the franchise annals.  New Line co-topper Michael Lynne knew he was addressing a savvy crowd heavy with film and book biz notables, so his welcoming remarks acknowledged that the project is attracting both good and not-so-good buzz.  "But no one has seen the movie yet," he said, "so it's all projection at this point."

"Well, I have seen the movie, and it is really good," gently corrected Bob Shaye, Lynne's partner. "We hope we have done honor to your work, Philip." (D. Hayes)