Movie hoax leaves Riverside richer

      RIVERSIDE - "There is no movie," actor William Shatner told some 600 people in Riverside's Hall Park, Tuesday night.

      Instead, the week-long filming in the town was a carefully crafted hoax that will lead to eight weeks of reality programs on Spike TV early next year. Shatner then followed the disclosure about the deception with a $100,000 check for the city of Riverside and its residents "for being such good sports."

      There also were donations to the Riverside volunteer Fire Department and more than $12,000 to Riverside Elementary School for its library book fund. Shatner said the school funds were raised from donations given by the crew.

      "The crew has fallen in love with Riverside. I've fallen in love with Riverside. Next it will be America who falls in love with Riverside," Shatner said, referring to the television show airing.

      Shatner explained that the idea for the show started more than a year ago and originally was conceived as having a Hollywood movie star try to buy a small town. Instead, he suggested it become a reality view of what happens when the craziness of Hollywood encounters the small, real American town.