James Franco To Be Soap Star

James Franco will guest star on ABC's "General Hospital" for a lengthy story arc this fall.

The "Pineapple Express" and "Spider-Man" actor will play a mystery person who comes to the soap opera's town of Port Charles. The recurring role will begin Nov. 20 _ to coincide with November sweeps _ and will last about two months.

Executive producer Jill Farren Phelps says it's "an honor that an actor of Franco's caliber would choose to spend some of his valuable time in Port Charles."

The 31-year-old Franco will star as Allen Ginsberg next year in the film "Howl."