Mark Wahlberg had to ‘bribe’ his canine co-star in new film ‘Arthur the King’

Hound of the Round Table

Big star Mark Wahlberg’s career has gone to the dogs.

Real-life story. Athlete and canine. “Arthur the King.”

The pair met during the Dominican Republic’s 10-day Adventure Racing World Series. The dog’s great. Barking. Grrring. Steals the film.

If this pooch can’t get an Academy Award, he at least deserves a sirloin.

Mark: “I knew people would talk more about his performance than mine. Working with a dog beats working with many of my barking co-stars. We connected emotionally. Shove Alpo, I bribed him early on with chicken, steak, hot dogs. We lived next door to each other while we were filming so I’d whistle for him to come over every morning before his trainer could get to him.

“I loved him. I tried to buy him at the end of the movie.”

The trainer wouldn’t sell. Whether this film fetches, rolls over or plays dead, we’ll know when it hits theaters March 15.

Farewell, our colorful Iris

Friday we lost Park Avenue’s flamboyant Iris Apfel. Outrageous, outspoken, outliving us all. She was 102.

I last saw her front row at designer Joanna Mastroianni’s fashion show. She bothered everyone.

Let me count her ways: at a flea market, see a junky bracelet priced at a buck then argues the dealer down with: “Can you do better?” When her husband passed on she fought with everyone as to exactly what suit he should wear in the coffin.

A textile background, she and husband Carl ran a design company. Their decorated fabrics made it to the White House. Overdressed always, she’d say, “Less is a bore.”

Sowing oats

Oatmeal’s weaker than the mishmosh sloshing around to replace Mitch McConnell. Only our city’s sanitation commissioner hasn’t mixed in.

Choices include establishment Republicans like Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Montana Sen. Steve Daines (chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee).

However, Steve Bannon and strong MAGAs have their own picks. To magnify the split in the GOP is to choose now. I’m told it can wait until after Donald’s November victory. 

Step right up

Oscar and Olivier winner Eddie Redmayne is now starring in B’way’s newest latest often-est revision of “Cabaret.”

The show’s grabbed multiple awards. Was just redone in London. Co-starred Liza Minnelli in the film. Got Joel Grey a Tony and an Oscar. Opens here April 1. August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St.

Redmayne’s inviting friends to celebrate Joel’s 92nd birthday April 11 in a pre-show reception — 7 p.m. The performance of “Cabaret” 8 p.m. If you weren’t invited, not my fault. Send Joel a present.

Progressives are like pit bulls. Really basically nice. Get one. And in just two weeks you can have him eating out of your leg.

Only in America, kids, only in America.