NEW YORK - David Beckham has a knack for keeping his name in the news and his face -- and well-sculpted body -- in front of the cameras. The newest ad campaign for his bodywear collection for global retailer H&M is being released on the heels of the announcement that he's joining the French soccer club Paris-Saint Germain.

The ad campaign, directed by Guy Ritchie, is more like a film short. Beckham stars as an action hero, saving the day in Los Angeles in his boxer briefs and bedroom slippers.

The soccer star launched a line of undergarments and loungewear in partnership with H&M a year ago, debuting in a Super Bowl ad that featured him in a tank top, boxers and his many tattoos. Over the summer came the next wave of ads, with Beckham in his boxers and a different view of the tattoos.

The 37-year-old Beckham said he's committed to this for the long haul, but is still a little startled looking up at a billboard and seeing a giant version of himself. "No matter how many campaigns I do with H&M, I will never get used to seeing myself on billboards."

Barbara Walters calls pals on 'The View' Barbara Walters isn't "scratching too much" from chickenpox, but she says she won't be back at "The View" for three more weeks. Walters phoned into the ABC talk show Wednesday. Calling from her home, she reported that she's weak but not in any pain. She was hospitalized on Jan. 19 after fainting and cutting her head at a party in Washington. The 83-year-old has said she had the chickenpox and a temperature at the time, but didn't realize it. She suffered a concussion, got six stitches and was released from the hospital 10 days later. She told her "View" co-workers: "I'm not itching away." Then she marveled that the best remedy for itching is an age-old one, saying: "We have Facebook, Twitter and calamine lotion."

NOTED: Reg Presley, lead singer of the Troggs, who made hearts sing with the primal scream in "Wild Thing," as well as more tender tunes including "With a Girl Like You" and "Love Is All Around," has died at 71. The band's frontman died after a succession of recent strokes and a losing battle with cancer, a spokesman said. Pete Townshend has identified "Wild Thing" as one of the rock era's defining tracks, and Jimi Hendrix also did a killer version.

MORE PROBATION: A Los Angeles County judge kept Chris Brown on probation Wednesday and ordered more information regarding prosecutors contentions that the singer did not complete his court-ordered community service in Virginia. Judge James Brandlin ordered Brown to report to his probation officer within 48 hours and provide any documentation related to his community service, and scheduled another hearing for April 5. Brown is on five years' probation after pleading guilty to a felony count of assault in connection with a 2009 attack on his girlfriend Rihanna, who accompanied him to court and sat in the front row.