DAILY DIRT: Looks like a great show will be getting even greater

We’ll get into the Kevin Costner-Matthew McConaughey situation(s) in future “Yellowstone” discussions … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 924 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Be still, my beating heart.

The news broke earlier this week that Michelle Pfeiffer will likely be joining the “Yellowstone” cast in a significant role.

A report from Mike Hammer of Yahoo says the actress will “become the franchise’s undisputed cowboy queen — leaving the guys playing second fiddle.”

Two thoughts:

First, I hope this doesn’t lessen the role of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), who has emerged as a modern-day Abby Cunningham (Donna Mills, “Knots Landing”). If you know, you know.

Secondly, Pfeiffer might be my all-time favorite actress, at least from the 1980s and 1990s, and deservedly earned the title of being a “smart and sassy sex symbol”. She’s now 66, so it will be interesting to see how this mega-hit opts to develop her character. An industry insider told Hammer that Pfeiffer’s role would be “juicy”.

Pfeiffer has not signed a contract yet, but all indications are that is just a formality.

“Yellowstone” returns for the second half of its fifth and final season (although spinoffs most assuredly await) at some point in November. No specific premier date has been released by Paramount.

2. Keeping with today’s emphasis on Pfeiffer, here are my top five movies from Michelle:

• 1. “The Fabulous Baker Boys” (1989): Pfeiffer’s unexpectedly great singing voice is showcased in a movie that many devotees consider the high-water mark of her career. Jeff and Beau Bridges are the Baker boys, Jack and Frank, a cheesy piano lounge act. Peter Bradshaw of theguardian.com once wrote, “Pfeiffer comes close to Marilyn Monroe status with her open, sexy and warm-hearted performance.” 
• 2. “Scarface” (1983): Pfeiffer played Elvira, the love interest of mobster Tony Montana (Al Pacino).
• 3. “Dangerous Minds” (1995): Always on the look for an offbeat role, Pfeiffer found another in this film. She’s a retired Marine who resurfaces as a teacher at an underprivileged California high school.
• 4. “Batman Returns” (1992): She plays Catwoman. Arguably, the best friend the Caped Crusader ever had.
• 5. “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987): Add Cher and Susan Sarandon with Pfeiffer, and you had a movie full of great hair.

3. If this were a Friday night date night in 1967, one of the best Boomer years ever, it’s likely you and your significant other were singing along to the following songs while on the way to a drive-in movie:

• “I Think We’re Alone Now,” by Tommy James and the Shondells: The perfect song for that drive to the drive-in.
• “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” by the Monkees: Forever a toss-up, what was the best Monkees song, this one or “I’m A Believer?”
• “Happy Together,” by the Turtles: “Imagine me and you, I do … I think about you day and night .. “
• “Sweet Soul Music,” by Arthur Conley: After his fame faded rather quickly following this song, he resurfaced years later as Lee Roberts.
• “Bernadette,” by the Four Tops: Faithful readers of Dirt will know I named a pet dog after this song.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Catwoman deserved a better fate as a superhero.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Doesn’t he know cats have nine lives?