The wrath of Redford

Park City, Utah — Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford was visibly displeased with the behavior of Britney Spears and her ever-growing retinue of bodyguards, suppliants and minions at the festival this month.

During a screening of a Holly Hunter movie — there were two at the festival — Spears and posse spoke loudly, nattered on cell phones and walked out before the movie was over. “If looks could kill,” said one who observed Redford’s scowl, “Britney would be the deadest pop star in the world.”

Hasty Pudding recipients chosen

Cambridge, Mass. — Actress Anjelica Huston and director Martin Scorsese have been chosen to receive the annual Hasty Pudding awards from the nation’s oldest undergraduate dramatic organization, at Harvard University.

The Hasty Pudding awards, announced Monday, are given to performers who’ve made a “lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment.”

Huston will lead a parade through the streets of Harvard Square on Feb. 6 with Harvard students dressed in drag. Scorsese will appear Feb. 13 at the opening night of the troupe’s theatrical production, “It’s a Wonderful Afterlife.”

Jackson tries to save face

London — Call it the two faces of Michael Jackson, though we’re sure there are a few more. The terribly odd pop star has launched an apparent counteroffensive to NBC, which plans to broadcast an hourlong episode of “Dateline NBC” on Feb. 17 devoted to his ever-changing countenance.

Jackson has given unprecedented access for a nose-job-and-all British documentary, almost two hours in length, hosted by Martin Bashir, to whom the late Princess Diana spilled the royal beans in 1995.

The interview with Jackson will air Monday on Britain’s ITV1.

Etheridge an organ donor

Leavenworth — The city of Leavenworth can now buy a $15,000 band organ, thanks to rocker Melissa Etheridge.

A group of people restoring a small 1913 carousel that will be on display during the Taste of Leavenworth next month had been wanting a band organ to go with the carousel.

Jerry Reinhardt, a carousel aficionado who’s worked with the Leavenworth Historical Museum Assn. for years, wrote the singer-songwriter, who grew up in Leavenworth, and sent a photo of the band organ. He asked whether Etheridge would sponsor part or all of its cost.

When Reinhardt learned that she would pay for all of it, he offered to engrave a brass plate, as she wished, for the band organ.

The plate, which will be on display at the Feb. 28 event, will say: “Given to the Great People of Leavenworth, with much appreciation. From Melissa Etheridge.”