Sarah Jessica Parker "Mars Attacks!", in which she made part of a large ensemble cast consisting of Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Pierce Brosnan, among others, portraying a chat-show host whose head is transposed with that of her chihuahua by the invading aliens. The romantic comedy "The First Wives Club" saw Parker take on the roke of a dim-witted but manipulative fiancée, and also reunite with "Hocus Pocus" collaborator Bette Midler. The film was a critical darling and a major commercial success, grossing US$105million at the North American box office, and it developed a cult following among middle-aged women. Her other 1996 release was
Bette Midler years in 2003 to record "Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook". Now signed to Columbia Records, the album was an instant success, being certified gold by RIAA. One of the "Clooney Songbook" selections, "This Ole House", became Midler's first Christian radio single shipped by Rick Hendrix and his positive music movement. The album was nominated for a Grammy the following year. Throughout 2003 and 2004, Midler toured the United States in her new show, "Kiss My Brass", to sell-out audiences. Also in 2004, she appeared in a supporting role in Frank Oz' science fiction satire "The Stepford Wives", a