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Mumbai violence shuts down Bollywood

NEW DELHI, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- India's Bollywood film industry ground to a halt Thursday as violence stemming from terror attacks in Mumbai kept workers at home, The Hollywood Reporter said.

More than 140 people were killed and more than 300 injured in the terrorist incidents, which began Wednesday and continued Friday. Much of the violence took place at the posh Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a hot spot where many celebrities stay and film business is conducted.

The Hollywood Reporter said Australian television star Brooke Satchwell, who was working in Mumbai for three weeks, was in a meeting Wednesday inside the hotel when armed assailants burst into the building firing their weapons.

"We felt a little bit like sitting ducks," Satchwell told Australia's 3AW radio station.

She went on to say she and others hid in a bathroom stall until hotel security came and escorted them out of the building, past corpses and into the street.

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said it is possible some of the as-yet unaccounted for guests at the Taj and another luxury hotel, the Oberoi Trident, could be members of the global media and entertainment industries, since they are known to book rooms there when they are in town.

Although most of the terror targets were fairly far away from Bollywood's movie studios, the violence kept those employed in the entertainment industry from heading into work. Movie theaters throughout the city were closed Thursday due to safety concerns, The Hollywood Reporter said.

'Miracle' playwright Gibson dead at 94

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- New York-born playwright William Gibson has died at his home in Stockbridge, Mass., at the age of 94, his family said.

The Tony Award-winning writer is best known for his play "The Miracle Worker," which was about blind and deaf Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. Gibson also adapted the work into a screenplay for the 1962 film version starring Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft for which he was nominated for an Oscar.

The Los Angeles Times said Gibson's family did not say what the cause of the playwright's Tuesday death was.

Gibson's other plays included "Two for the Seesaw," "Golda" and "Golden Boy." He also published a volume of verse called "Winter Crook" and the novel "The Cobweb."

His wife, the former Margaret Brenman, died in 2004. He is survived by his two sons, Thomas Gibson of Stockbridge, Mass., and Daniel Gibson of Cambridge, Mass., the Times said.

Spears sings at German awards show

OFFENBURG, Germany, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Britney Spears sang her hit song "Womanizer" from her latest album "Circus" at the Bambi awards show in Offenburg, Germany.

The 26-year-old singer has been keeping a somewhat low profile since she was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment early this year, lost custody of her two young sons and was legally placed under the conservatorship of her father. She appeared, but did not perform, at the MTV Music Awards show this fall and sang part of a song, but didn't dance, on stage with her friend and mentor Madonna at a recent concert.

The BBC said the outfit Spears wore to the Bambis -- consisting of hot pants, fishnet tights and a black top hat -- resembled an ensemble Madonna sported on her recently wrapped "Sticky and Sweet" tour.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld presented Spears with the Bambi for best international pop star, describing her as returning to the spotlight "not only as a phoenix but as a bird of paradise."

Spears, whose latest album is set for release in the United Kingdom Monday, is slated to perform on the British TV talent show "The X Factor" Saturday.

'Narnia' exhibition opens at Philly museum

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition," based on the blockbuster film series and C.S. Lewis' books, opened Friday at The Franklin in Philadelphia.

Presented by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, the exhibition is to run through April 19.

"This exhibition is a truly captivating and entertaining experience for all ages," Eddie Newquist, president of creative studios for show producers Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, said in a statement. "From the scene displays and props seen in the 'Narnia' films, to the scientific and educational aspects of the exhibition that stimulate the senses and the mind, guests will be transported into another world to experience 'Narnia' like never before."

Philadelphia marks the second stop after Phoenix on the exhibition's multi-city tour, which will include eight additional domestic and international cities during the next five years.

"We are pleased to welcome 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition' to Philadelphia," added Dennis M. Wint, president and chief executive officer of The Franklin. "As a museum that prides itself on creating opportunities for expanding knowledge, we look forward to guests experiencing the exhibition as it showcases a unique collaboration of educational and entertaining elements."