HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
September 27, 1999

VIVA LA FRANCE

Why did John Travolta cut short a promotional visit to France last week? According to France-based radio station Europe 1, he feared being dragged into the story of seven officials of the Church of Scientology, who are on trial, charged with embezzling money from converts.

In Paris to promote "The General's Daughter," Travolta, a prominent Scientologist, returned to Los Angeles by private jet, cancelling several interviews. But Paramount Pictures' vice chairman Rob Friedman said Scientology had nothing to do with Travolta's speedy return.

"Absolutely false," he said. "John did not want to leave Paris. (Paramount) brought him home early so we could start pre-production on 'Numbers'." That film, directed by Nora Ephron, is slated to begin shooting in early November.

France isn't American movie stars' favorite place these days. Two years ago, a French investigating magistrate hauled Robert De Niro in for nine hours of questioning about a prostitution ring involving the French film industry. De Niro, who denied any involvement and was not charged with a crime, was enraged and vowed never to return to France.