'A BEAUTIFUL MIND' DIRECTOR TO STAR IN RUSSELL CROWE'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

March 5, 2002Mar 5, 2002, 11:00 PM GMT

Russell Crowe is keen to turn the tables on A Beautiful Mind director Ron Howard by giving him a part in his own directorial debut. Russell, who is Oscar nominated for his role in Ron’s film, told an Australian newspaper the former child star would be making a comeback to the big screen in Russ's upcoming movie, The Long Green Shore.

The film, which is based on John Hepworth’s acclaimed novel about an Australian battalion sent to New Guinea in the final days of World War II, is scheduled to begin shooting in 2003. At this point, the New Zealand-born star refuses to elaborate on the precise nature of Ron’s role.

“Ron has a part,” he told The Melbourne Age. “But while he had seven lines to begin with, that may come down to one really essential line.”

Through now long established as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, 48-year-old Howard was once more famous for his acting roles in The Andy Griffith Show, Happy Days, and the classic teen feature American Graffiti.

New Zealand-born Russell so enjoyed working with Ron on A Beautiful Mind that he's offered him a part in his own directorial debut, The Long Green Shore, which goes into production in 2003

With hits like Ransom and Apollo 13 under his belt, Ron is long established as one of Hollywood's most successful directors. He was once better known, however, as the child star of Happy Days and the George Lucas teen film American Graffiti

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