Stein’s ‘Montel’ jaunt – suddenly Susan

Ben Stein bumped into some old friends last week while doing an episode for “The Montel Williams Show” to promote his new book, “How to Ruin Your Life.”

Stein ran into “Moonlight Mile” director Brad Silberling (who’s married to “Judging Amy” star Amy Brenneman). Silberling cast Stein in his first big-screen movie, “Casper.” No sooner had Stein left Silberling than he bumped into Susan Sarandon in the hallway. The “Montel” shows featuring Stein, Silberling and Sarandon will air next month (1 p.m./Ch. 5).

Montel Williams, meanwhile, had appraiser Judith Katz-Schwartz (featured in the show’s “Cash for Trash” segment) appraise a cast iron old fireplace screen he bought years ago for $85. Much to Williams’ surprise, Katz-Schwartz said the screen is worth $300 to $500. Williams will auction the screen off, along with other items from his show, on the “Montel” website (montelshow.com). All moneys raised will be donated to The Montel Williams MS Foundation.

Jerry draws a (funny) crowd

You never know who will drop into one of those Learning Annex seminars – especially when the guest speaker is none other than Jerry Lewis. He’s been battling many physical ailments lately and is taking steroids for a lung condition (hence his bloated appearance).

Lewis gave a motivational talk for the Learning Annex Thursday night at the New York Hilton on 53rd and 6th. Virgin’s Steve Leeds and MTV’s Tom Calderone dropped by to hear the talk – and were shocked to see “Law & Order” star Richard Belzer and comedian Gilbert Gottfried walk in to hear Lewis speak.

Lewis, of course, is the subject of CBS’ “Martin & Lewis,” airing Nov. 24 with “Will & Grace” star Sean Hayes limning Lewis and Jeremy Northam playing ex-partner Dean Martin.

Silver Circle singalong

So what was with all the singing last week at the Silver Circle Awards?

It turns out that “Maury” executive producer Joan Petrocelli had been telling people that one of her all-time favorite songs is “Sing, Sing a Song” from “Sesame Street.” Joan, in fact, warbled the tune at a recital when she was just 5.

As a surprise, Joan was asked to trill the song to Silver Circle honoree Bob McGrath (from “Sesame Street”). She was joined in the rousing rendition by Caroll Spinney (Oscar the Grouch), with Maury Povich, “Maury” executive producer Amy Rosenblum and Dennis Swanson joining in (among others).

This just in . . .

Tomorrow on “Judge Judy” (4 p.m./Ch. 4): Out-of-control teens or just bullies? Judy Sheindlin lays down the law.

Z-100’s Cubby Bryant will be on Thursday’s “Hollywood Squares” (7:30 p.m./Ch. 2). All of his winnings will go to Musicians On Call with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

From the “Where Are They Now?” bin: Darva Conger’s bachelorette party, Tuesday (1 a.m./Ch. 11) on “Inside Edition.”