Polanski Potential As Flight Risk Not Lost On Swiss - Bail Denied Oct 20, 200911:31 PDT

Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

Roman Polanski’s request for bail was denied by the Swiss courts, leaving the director to await an extradition decision from the inside of a cell. Afghan President Karzai has a pleasant surprise for President Obama, and last minute wins by the Phillies and Angels bring us two games closer to the World Series. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Polanski Bail Denied

Director Roman Polanski’s requests for bail to free him from Swiss prison were denied by the Swiss courts. Polanski, who has been living in exile in France for over 20 years, was arrested last month upon entering Switzerland to attend a film festival.

Polanski is currently awaiting extradition to the U.S. to face charges stemming from a guilty plea to having sex with a minor in 1978. Polanski served 45 days in jail and psychiatric counseling, but fled to Europe to avoid a more significant sentence. He has not returned to the U.S. since, even to receive his 2002 Best Directing Oscar for the movie “The Pianist“. The court cited his 1978 flight from the U.S. as reason for the denial of bail, identifying Polanski as a flight risk despite several attempts by the director to persuade the judge he would stay in Switzerland.

Polanski’s other films include “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown“.

This video, an excerpt from a larger examination fo the director’s work, takes a look at Polanski’s work on the classic Jack Nicholson film, “Chinatown”, which Polanski describes as his best film despite admitting he almost didn’t make it. Production of the film, which was set and shot in Los Angeles, required Polanski to return to that city very soon after the murder of Polanski’s former wife Sharon Tate and three of his friends by Charles Manson and his associates. Click below to watch:

Karzai Agrees To Runoff Vote

Acknowledging the affect of a U.N. backed panel leading an investigation into voter fraud in newly democratic Afghanistan, incumbent President Hamid Karzai agreed today to participate in a run-off election against political rival Abdullah Abdullah.

President Obama applauded Karzai’s decision as the right thing to do. While Karzai had hoped to win a large enough majority in the first election two months ago to avoid a second round of voting, fraud allegations and voter uncertainty have left the war-torn nation in a state of unrest as Taliban insurgents tighten their hold on parts of the country.

Rollins a Hero In Last-Minute Win

Philadelphia Phillies short stop Jimmy Rollins smacked the game winning double in a thrilling come from behind victory as the Phillies defeated the Dodgers to take a 3-1 lead in the best of seven National League Championships.

In American League play, the Los Angeles Angels needed eleven innings to capture their first win against the New York Yankees who, despite the loss, still lead the series 2 games to 1.

This video features Rollins’ post game press conference, as well as interviews with members of both teams as they discuss their strategies heading into a crucial Game 5:

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