Film based on Dahl book will premiere at festival

Film based on Dahl book will premiere at festival

LONDON — London Film Festival organizers say this year’s event will open with the world premiere of Wes Anderson’s animated feature “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”

The stop-motion animated film is based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book about a community of burrowing animals who battle a trio of evil farmers. It features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Michael Gambon.

Anderson said Monday he was happy the movie was making its debut in Britain. It was shot at London’s Three Mills Studios and features several British actors.

The 53rd London Film Festival runs Oct. 14-29.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” opens in Britain Oct. 23 and in the U.S. on Nov. 13.

Longoria, Lopez will host awards show

LOS ANGELES — Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez are the hosts of September’s ALMA Awards, which celebrate Latino achievement in entertainment.

Organizers say it will be the first time the awards will air during National Hispanic Heritage Month. The ceremony honoring those who work in film, TV and radio will also feature new categories, including one for emerging young talent and a sports award.

“Desperate Housewives” star Longoria Parker, who is one of the show’s executive producers, says the ALMA Awards represent the determination and “soul” of Latinos.

The awards ceremony will air Sept. 18 on ABC.

Time runs out early for ‘9 to 5’ musical

NEW YORK — Goodbye, Dolly.

The producers of “9 to 5: The Musical” say the Broadway show that features a score by country superstar Dolly Parton will close Labor Day weekend after a disappointing four-month run.

The musical will have played 148 performances when it closes Sept. 6 at the Marquis Theatre.

It stars Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty.

“9 to 5” is based on the 1980 film about three female office workers who plot against their sexist boss.

Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Parton starred in the movie.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Peter O’Toole is 77. Country singer Hank Cochran is 74. Keyboardist Garth Hudson of The Band is 72. Director Wes Craven is 70. Singer Kathy Lennon of The Lennon Sisters is 66. Actor Max Wright (“Alf,” “Norm”) is 66. Actress Joanna Cassidy is 64. Actress Kathryn Harrold is 59. Singer Andrew Gold is 58. Actor Butch Patrick (“The Munsters”) is 56. Singer Mojo Nixon is 52. Actress Victoria Jackson is 50. Actress Apollonia is 50. Actress Cynthia Stevenson (“Men In Trees,” “Hope and Gloria”) is 47. Actress Mary-Louise Parker is 45. Director-actor Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”) is 39. Actor Sam Worthington (“Terminator Salvation”) is 33. Actor Edward Furlong is 32. Actress Hallie Eisenberg is 17.