Wednesday, February 2, 2000

HOLLYWOOD -- Russell Crowe is up for a role opposite Claire Danes in the Jodie Foster-directed drama Flora Plum, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Crowe, who earned critical acclaim for his role as tobacco company whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand in The Insider, would play the lead role of a circus "freak" in the Depression-era story of unrequited love.

In the script by Steven Rodgers (Hope Floats), Crowe's character takes pity on a penniless waif (Danes) with whom he falls in love while helping her achieve fame.

Filming on Flora Plum will likely start in late summer or early fall.