September 2000
Star Quality
Hollywood props and costume auctioning
Planet Hollywood, the at one time booming but now precariously perched restaurant chain — in 1999, the celebrity-owned eatery filed for bankruptcy and closed one-third of its locations — recently spiced up its offerings by adding a tinsel town Web site to its menu. At
www.planethollywood.com>/a>, surfers can enjoy live chats with the stars, exclusive Webcam material of VIP events, games, contests and the latest news from the entertainment capital. For those who have admired Planet Hollywood’s décor — an impressive collection of movie memorabilia is on display in each restaurant — the site’s most interesting link, a collaboration with auction giant eBay, offers visitors the chance to bid on an ever-changing array of props and costumes. Recent hammer prices include: an organza evening gown worn by Marilyn Monroe (DM 46,500), the grail from (DM 17,000) and the eight-direction sign post seen in the television series M*A*S*H (DM 23,000). A former Christie’s Auction House expert, as well as Planet Hollywood’s archive team, are all on hand to ensure items are authentic. “Bidders can be sure that the items they buy are real,” assures John Caparella, president of the Web site. “Our staff is passionate about upholding the integrity of film history.” With the appetizing new cyber side dish, organizers certainly hope to reestablish Planet Hollywood’s spot on the world’s culinary map.
