Report: Director Michael Winner improves

LONDON, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Film director Michael Winner's condition has improved in a London hospital, but it remained unknown if his infected leg would be amputated, his aide said.

Winner, 71, was in Barbados when he fell ill. He was reported making "good progress" after returning to London and admitted to the London Clinic, the Independent said Thursday.

An aide to the veteran director, known as a food critic in recent years, said it was unclear whether his leg would have to be removed.

Winner, who directed the "Death Wish" series starring Charles Bronson, told friends a reaction to fever-reducing drugs caused large blood blisters to form on his leg. The blisters eventually burst and he was taken to a hospital on the island.

The London Clinic said the director's condition was being monitored.

Winner's aide said, "He is making progress but we still don't know what will happen with regard to the leg."