Michael Douglas: On Film And Family

New Movie, 'The Sentinel,' First In Three Years

(CBS)  It's been three years since we've seen Michael Douglas on the big screen, but it doesn't mean he hasn't been busy. The two-time Academy Award winner is married to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and has been raising their two young children, Dylan, 6, and Carys, 3.

His new movie, "The Sentinel," opens April 21, and he stopped by The Early Show to tell co-anchor Harry Smith all about it.

"The Sentinel" is a thriller in which Douglas, 61, plays a secret service agent who is having an affair with the first lady. He is also the prime suspect in a plot to assassinate the president. The film also stars Kim Basinger, Kiefer Sutherland and Eva Longoria.

The film marks Douglas' return to familiar territory: Washington, DC.

"I used to be the American president (in 1995 movie, "The American President)," he told Smith. "Then I was drug czar in 'Traffic,' and now I'm a lowly secret service agent." And he says it is a great location for film-making. "The city makes a great character and there's more politics and intrigue going on in Washington than anywhere," he said.

In light of security issues, the project took some special cooperation from the authorities.

"We had a lot of help actually from Homeland Security," he said. "They were very helpful in terms of us getting those helicopter flights over the city."

The thrills and chills of a White House murder plot are a world away from Douglas' life in Bermuda, where he and Zeta-Jones have set up house during the past few years.

"I started a new family," he said. "Catherine and I got married. Had a couple of kids, which I never anticipated having at this point in my life. And I figured, just enjoy, and the bond of spending time with Dylan and Carys. And I kept getting like a drug, kept getting hooked into hanging out with them."

His time at home also allows Zeta-Jones to pursue her film work, which Douglas understands and appreciates. "A lot of it has to do with Catherine and her career, realizing that she wants to do her work and get out there. And I was just happy to hang out," he told Smith. "I'm Mr. Mom."

And the joy of his new family has given Douglas a whole new perspective on work.

"Early in your careers, I don't see the balance. Early on you're all ambition and family takes a second place," he said. "Second time around is definitely better."