By Army Archerd, Daily Variety Senior Columnist
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Jack Nicholson and Fidel Castro were to have had a one-hour meeting during Nicholson's visit to Cuba -- they talked for three hours.
"He (Castro) is a genius. We spoke about everything," enthuses Nicholson, who was there on a week-long visit on invitation from the Cuban Film Board.
Also on the trip with Nicholson and girlfriend Rebecca Broussard were producer Mark Canton, attorney Jake Bloom and his wife.
Nicholson modestly said, "I didn't know if anyone would know me there, but when we came out of our hotel, the people on the street applauded."
Of the Cubans, he said, "They are so open-faced, not one bit hostile. It was sad to see the buildings crumbling, milk only available for little children."
Nicholson, tremendously moved by the experience, says he hopes Clinton and Castro can bring about an end to the estrangement, embargo, etc.
"They are both humanists," reasoned Nicholson. "They should get together. And it would be great for Clinton's legacy. There's no remaining reason for it (the schism) to continue. After all, he (Clinton) did go to China. And I think Castro never wanted to break it off with us."
As for the content of the conversation with Castro, he said "it was plain old talk. We talked about life, culture -- he's in pretty good communication with Ted Turner (they have CNN there). He stays up late, like I do. Yes, he's seen some of my movies."
Nicholson said he heard a lot of great music, "smoked a few good cigars" ("we're not allowed to bring 'em out"), met with the players in the Cuban Oscar contender "Strawberry and Chocolate," and ate in the restaurant where it was filmed.
"They (the actors) would like to break out into the international market. Sure, I could make a film on what I saw -- but that's secondary to getting the situation changed."
Nicholson and troupe flew into Cuba via Jamaica. He departed the same way and continued on to play golf in Ireland. But he did not buy a home there, as printed elsewhere.
"I've got enough houses to take care of!" he laughed.
After Ireland, he continued to Wimbledon and then on to the final game of the World Cup, where he and pal Dennis Hopper both donned tri-color makeup on their faces as they cheered for France, "with Dennis singing 'La Marseillaise'!"
During the European vacation, Nicholson also visited with pal Michael Douglas at the latter's home in Spain. Sure, Nicholson said, "I wouldn't mind making a movie with Mikey. He's the best."
Nicholson maintains he'd like to next direct the long-in-progress project "Moon Trap." "And I'd like to sit down and write something about which I have an idea."
But meantime, "I'm enjoying a long vacation, thanks to Jim Brooks ("As Good as It Gets"), who delivered me a featherbed. More good times -- that's my motto."
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