search articles:     from the issue of September 8, 2005         Shapiro's stories basis for film English professor Gerry Shapiro has a sharp eye for the condition of secular Jews in the United States. His observations, fleshed out in his short story collection, "Bad Jews and Other Stories," are the basis of, "King of the Corner," a film starring several of today's most accomplished actors.   A book by Gerry Shapiro, UNL professor of English, provided the basis for the film, "King of the Corner." Shapiro's book is a collection of stories titled, "Bad Jews and Other Stories."   "King of the Corner" was shown at film festivals, but received a theatrical debut at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on March 4. The central character in the film is Leo Spivak, who at age 50 is undergoing a crisis of confidence. The movie follows the life of Spivak (Peter Riegert), his family and his world. Spivak's father (Eli Wallach) is dying, his daughter (Ashley Johnson) is growing up too fast, his protégé (Jake Hoffman) is after his job, his wife (Isabella Rossellini) is running out of patience with Spivak, and an old flame resurfaces (Beverly D'Angelo). Spivak proves to be his own worst enemy, but through a twist of fate and the help of an unorthodox rabbi (Eric Bogosian), he redeems himself. Riegert, who co-wrote the screenplay with Shapiro, also directed and stars in the film. He won a best first feature award as the film's director in a recent festival. The stories in Bad Jews are linked by recurring characters and themes, which Shapiro describes as creating a "dramatic arc." The screenplay is based primarily on the stories "Worst-Case Scenarios" and "Bad Jews." GO TO: ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 8 ARTS HEADLINES FOR SEPTEMBER 8 Quilt study center begins to take shape $1 million gift given to Sheldon Book overflows with Great Plains details Carson legacy lives at UNL Concerto honors Lewis and Clark ETV begins new era Shapiro's stories basis for film UNL hosts Whitman 150th anniversary event 732197S34878X