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Magician Channing Pollock dead at 79

LAS VEGAS, Nev., March 21 (UPI) -- Magician Channing Pollock, called by Lance Burton "the most emulated magician of the 20th century," has died in Las Vegas at age 79.

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Pollock died at home Sunday from complications of cancer, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tuesday.

In a statement, Burton said Pollock not only inspired him as a child, but became his mentor, teacher and "one of my closest friends."

Magician David Copperfield called Pollock "the James Bond of magic" who "inspired a generation of conjurers."

"Channing was like a second dad to many," Copperfield said. "I am one of his 'sons.'"

Pollock started his career in 1952 and shot to stardom with an appearance on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" in 1954.

Through the years, he performed for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and at the wedding of Monaco's Prince Rainier and actress Grace Kelly.

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He appeared in several films as well, including "Europe by Night," "Musketeers of the Sea," "Rocambole" and "The Red Sheik." His many TV appearances included "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Bonanza," "The Hollywood Palace" and "The Andy Williams Show."

He is survived by his wife and a son. A Las Vegas memorial service was scheduled May 13 at the Monte Carlo.


Will Rogers' house ready to reopen

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., March 21 (UPI) -- The Pacific Palisades, Calif., home of actor, humorist and philanthropist Will Rogers is ready to open to the public after a three-year, $5 million restoration.

The 31-room house where Rogers lived until his death in a 1935 plane crash is the centerpiece of the 186.8-acre Will Rogers State Historic Park, which was deeded to the State of California by his widow, Betty, in 1944, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Rogers family and the non-profit Will Rogers Cooperative Association will host a Western-style gala to celebrate the public reopening of the house Saturday.

Rogers' great-granddaughter told the Times the aim is to get her famous relative "back on the map."

On display in the house are Rogers' many collections including books inscribed by Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller and Harry Houdini; ropes, saddles, bolas from Argentina; an enormous Apache basket and dozens of Native American rugs and blankets.

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Ali MacGraw makes B'way debut at 67

NEW YORK, March 21 (UPI) -- "Love Story" star Ali MacGraw is coming out of hiding at age 67 to appear in the Broadway production of the London import, "Festen."

MacGraw plays the role of Else, the matriarch of a rich family that is thrown when a family secret is revealed at a birthday party, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

"As the World Turns" veteran Larry Bryggman plays Else's husband in the play starting previews Thursday at the Music Box Theatre, while Michael Hayden, Julianna Margulies and Jeremy Sisto play her children.

MacGraw was Hollywood's "It Girl" of the 1970s and got an Oscar nomination for her weepy role opposite fellow nominee Ryan O'Neal for "Love Story."

She all but disappeared after the 1980s primetime soap "Dynasty," the newspaper noted.

"She came in and we were, like, 'Oh my God.' She's still beautiful," casting director Jim Carnahan told the News." My 29-year-old associate didn't really know who she was -- but her mother was positively thrilled."

Several experienced stage actresses read for the role, Carnahan said, but, "Ali came in and read just once -- and she sealed it."

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'Chicago' producer sues Miramax Films

NEW YORK, March 21 (UPI) -- The producer of the Oscar-winning film adaptation of "Chicago" has filed suit in New York claiming Miramax Films owes him some $10 million.

The Producer Circle Co. chief Marty Richards, who worked 27 years to bring the Broadway show to the big screen, estimates in the suit that the film has generated more than $300 million in gross receipts for Miramax, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

Financial statements from Miramax are "omissive, false and misleading," the suit says. He accuses Miramax is understating revenue from video and DVD sales and foreign release and overstating overhead.

Richards produced the original Broadway production of "Chicago" in 1975 and bought the film rights for $505,000, the News said. The suit says he has received about $500,000 in production fees from Miramax.

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