Tough job, working as psychiatrist to the psychiatrist of a mob boss. But somebody's got to do it. And Peter Bogdanovich is just that somebody. In addition to playing a shrink's shrink on The Sopranos, the director and film historian has just penned Who the Hell's in It, which will be released in the fall. It details his life in the movies (among other things, he directed The Last Picture Show, Paper Moon, and an upcoming episode of The Sopranos). "[The book] is about the personality behind the screen and how it's revealed through the screen from the director's point of view," says Bogdanovich, who appears at Cleveland Public Library on Sunday.
Bogdanovich also recently wrapped Looking for Natalie Wood, a biopic about the late actress that aired on ABC earlier this month. His last project was The Cat's Meow, about a movie producer who died on William Randolph Hearst's celebrity-studded yacht in 1924. What is it with him and death on boats? "Things just happen that way," he says. "But maybe that [connection] passed through the minds of those who thought I'd be right for making [Looking for Natalie Wood]." Bogdanovich's free talk starts at 2 p.m.; the library is at 325 Superior Avenue. Call 216-623-2800 for more information. -- Lucy McKernan
Wide-Eyed Wonders
Food and games rule at the Baby Faire.
3/12-3/13
Americans will spend $29 billion on infant-and-toddler purchases this year, claims American Baby Group, host of this weekend's American Baby Faire. With that kinda cash being thrown around, what kid wouldn't demand an ergonomically designed stroller with a UV-protective sun visor? More than 100 vendors will be on hand with fancy kid products, and experts will dispense tips on breast-feeding and nutrition. "It can take a child up to 10 to 15 tastes before they decide if they like a particular food," explains spokesperson Kas Maglaris. Older kids' tastes will be sated with continuous live stage performances, a 24-foot inflatable slide, and magicians. All this, plus hourly baby-derby races, where the fastest tots snag Babies "R" Us gift cards. The fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the I-X Center, 6200 Riverside Drive. Admission is $8; kids under 12 and grandparents get in free; call 877-959-2229. -- Lucy McKernan
More of Les
The Rock Hall showcases a guitar pioneer.
3/11-3/17
Les Paul never really rocked. He never really rolled either. Yet his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is well deserved. A new exhibit, The New Sound: Les Paul and the Electric Guitar, documents the many technical achievements of the studio-bound pioneer. "He's one of the most influential and important innovators," says curatorial director Howard Kramer. On view are the first guitar Paul ever owned (from Sears), his first Gibson, and the first electric model he manufactured in 1952. The New Sound is on view from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at the Rock Hall, 1 Key Plaza. Admission is $11 to $18. Call 216-515-1930 for more information. -- Michael Gallucci
Shamrockin'
WED 3/17
Cleveland's 137th St. Patrick's Day Parade -- the oldest of its kind in Ohio -- features 134 marching units, bands, guys in green kilts, and more. It starts near Cleveland State, heads west to Public Square, and veers north to Superior and Rockwell avenues. "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Irish national anthem kick things off at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 18th Street. It's free; call 440-235-5868. -- Cris Glaser
