WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday night Sunset Boulevard was filled with excitement as the legendary Henry Jaglom debuted his newest hit film, “Queen of the Lot.” The film stars leading lady Tanna Frederick, leading man Noah Wyle, Chris Rydell, Kathryn Crosby, Jack Heller, Diane Salinger, Ron Vignone, Kelly DeSarla, Zack Norman, David Proval and Canyon News columnist Tommy Garrett, who portrayed himself in the movie.

Henry Jaglom’s off-beat storytelling in film is legendary. The maverick director, writer and producer’s work embodies some of the most groundbreaking storylines and characters that viewers feel like are acquaintances of theirs. Jaglom’s muse Tanna Frederick gives an amazing performance in the role as Maggie Chase. “Queen of the Lot” is the sequel to his 2006 film “Hollywood Dreams.” In that film, Maggie, then Margie makes her way from Iowa, much like the her portrayer and fights to become a star in Tinseltown. In “Queen” Margie’s name has been changed to Maggie and she’s officially become a star in Hollywood.

The film’s storyline makes a lot of sense to Hollywood insiders, but it’s a love story with a new-age twist, that everyone can understand. Maggie is put under house arrest after being charged with two DUI’s and then finds herself in love with two brothers. The star-studded film ends with an exciting and humorous twist. Perhaps what makes Jaglom’s films extraordinary is that he makes you feel like you know the people on the big screen. Tommy Garrett, who is a well-respected Hollywood insider was happy to invite his mother, two aunts and a cousin from the east coast to attend their first ever movie premiere.

Though Tommy’s an old pro at premieres, he also invited his best friend, Lauralee Bell, who portrays Christine on CBS’s number one daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” and who also portrays Karen on “Family Dinner.” “Family Dinner was created by Bell and her husband Scott Martin. Tommy’s local guests also included Kate Linder, who portrays Esther on “Y&R,” his friend and client Constance Towers, who portrays Helena Cassadine on the ABC soap “General Hospital” and their manager Burton “Budd” Moss.

Tommy’s friend of over 30 years Mary Crosby, who is the daughter of the late Bing Crosby was also in attendance, and Mary also stars in “Queen of the Lot.” The actress is perhaps best known from the primetime series “Dallas.” In 1980 Mary’s character Kristen Shepherd on the show was revealed as the woman who shot J.R. Ewing. That episode remains one of the highest rated episodes of any show in television history.

Tommy Garrett has often said that he is ready for his close up. His friends in the business who attended the premiere agree wholeheartedly with the budding actor. The legendary talent agent Budd Moss, who has represented Tom Cruise, Sidney Poitier, Constance Towers, Tom Bosley and many others said, “Tommy is so natural on screen. He makes great choices as an actor, and he’s a superb talent. Even down to his wardrobe, he doesn’t go wrong. He chose a fabulous blue suit that photographs so well on camera. This is only the beginning for such a handsome lad.”

Constance Towers tells Canyon News, “Tommy’s appearance in ”˜Queen of the Lot’ is only the beginning of a career in film for him. The camera loves him and so do we!” Kate Linder said after seeing his motion picture debut, “Having now seen ”˜Queen of the Lot,’ I very much enjoyed the story of a Hollywood actress faced by the common pleasures and threats to her career . Tommy Garrett added to the authenticity of the story. He was very natural and believable.” “I am so very proud of him, and clearly he was great and so natural. The hard part of acting is listening when the other actor is talking, and yet Tommy was so in the moment, nodding and listening, that shows he really is a natural, and should also be proud of himself. If we could all be that good in our first big film! Great job,” said friend and star Lauralee Bell.

Henry Jaglom summed it up by saying, “Tommy is a unique personality and performer. Anyone with a TV show or doing a film should consider what he has to offer. He and Tanna’s scene together is incredible and it shows a small amount of the great love, affection and respect they have for each other.”

“Queen of the Lot” opens throughout the U.S. in December and January. For a sneak peek at the film, go to YouTube – Official Queen of the Lot movie Trailer 2010.

Roger Hitts, two-time United Press International columnist of the year, is a veteran celebrity journalist whose bylines appear in numerous magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and around the world.

Photographs are Courtesy: Tobias Mehler for Rainbow Films