Clark Story May be a Movie

Producer Ryan Murphy, creator of the TV series “Glee” and “American Horror Story,” has optioned the Huguette Clark book “Empty Mansions” for a feature film.

That’s the word from NBC News investigative reporter Bill Dedman, author of the best-selling biography of the late reclusive copper heiress.

Dedman will be making five appearances in Santa Barbara in May. On May 9, he’ll talk to the Santa Barbara Rotary Club and sign books at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Hotel, speak at Casa Dorinda retirement home, speak at the Historical Museum at 3 p.m. and to the Montecito Historical Archives fundraiser at Montecito Country Club at 6 p.m. On May 10, Dedman and co-author Paul Newman will speak and sign books at the Santa Barbara Public Library. Scott London will moderate.

Dedman also reports that Clark’s home in New Canaan, Connecticut, has finally sold after being vacant for 60 years. The buyer, Dedman said, is fashion designer Reed Krakoff and his wife. The price was $14.3 million.

Clark’s former Santa Barbara home, hilltop Bellosguardo, will become an arts foundation under terms of her hotly contested will settlement.

Christie’s has announced dates for public showings and sales of her art, musical instruments, books, furniture, and other valuable items, including a Monet, three Renoirs, and a rare Stradivarius known as the Kreutzer. Sales start Friday, April 18.

Clark’s doll collection will go to the new Bellosguardo Foundation.