James Brown on the Big Screen and at The Apollo

Looks like Spike Lee called dibs on directing the James Brown biopic. The biography was authorized by Brown before his passing and Lee will rewrite the draft (that's already gone through several rewrites) by Jezz and John Henry Butterworth. The film may be in production as early as fall/winter 2007.

Meanwhile, fans have been lined up at the Apollo to pay tribute to Brown since early this morning. Al Sharpton drove from Georgia with Brown's body, through the night. He stated, "It's going to be a royal day in Harlem, the kind of homecoming we haven't seen in a long time, if ever, in the Harlem community."

Brown's body will travel through the streets of Harlem on a horse-drawn carriage prior to entering the Apollo. Commenting on how Brown loved it when people lined up outside the Apollo for his shows, Sharpton said, "My dream is that I can say, `Mr. Brown, they were lined up for you one last time.'"

Brown will lie in repose on the Apollo stage from 1 to 8pm today. There will be a program for family and close friends at 6 pm. In Hollywood, his Walk of Fame star has become a memorial.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)