The anticipated release dates announced by makers LucasFilm show Europe lagging behind the US, Latin America, and Asia with an average date of mid-September.

But the film was primarily filmed in Britain so the UK is getting to see it two months ahead of Germany and three ahead of France.

The film, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, is the fourth in the Star Wars series. It tells the story from the beginning, showing how the young Anakin Skywalker grew up to become the evil Darth Vader.

Promoter hints at new Live Aid event

Bob Geldof: Spokeswoman not aware of Live Aid plans

Concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith has hinted for the first time that there could be another Live Aid-style event to help the starving of the Third World.

He revealed on Talk Radio that he has been in discussions for a huge show to tie in with the new Millennium, saying: "Watch this space".

The original Live Aid in July 1985 was one of the most ambitious music events ever staged, raising millions for famine relief in Africa.

Organised by Bob Geldof, Live Aid brought together some of the biggest names in music for a show staged simultaneously in London and Philadelphia.

Goldsmith told Talk Radio presenter Scott Chisholm that many people were concerned about the problems of world starvation.

"There's a lot of debate going on to see of something could be done for the millennium, which is the start of a new era. All I can say is watch this space."

However a spokeswoman for Geldof, who now heads media empire Planet 24, was unable to say whether he was involved in the discussions.

She said: "He's certainly not mentioned it to me. His general stance on Live Aid is that's something that he did and that's that."

Why villains are out for Robin Williams

Robin Williams: Believes in the healing power of laughter

Robin Williams says he prefers playing positive characters because of his desire to connect with people.

"That's why I've only done one film where I've played, in essence, a villain," says the zany American star.

In his forthcoming movie, Patch Adams, he plays a doctor who believes in the healing power of humour.

Williams says: "I've seen the healing power of laughter one-on-one with (Superman star) Chris Reeve."

Julio - I'm to thank for kids' success

Julio Iglesias: Responsible for his children's success

Crooner Julio Iglesias, whose children include rocker Enrique Iglesias, says their success is all down to his fame.

"They are lucky to be my children. They have great luck in that doors have opened for them so rapidly," the 55-year-old Spanish singer told reporters during an album presentation.

Enrique, 23, is the youngest of his three children. Sister Chabeli is a Spanish-language TV personality, and brother Julio Jose is a singer/model.

Activists want probe into Leonardo film

Leonardo Di Caprio: Movie version of the Beach is causing controversy

Thai environmentalists are calling for a government probe after permission was given to allow a Hollywood movie to be made in a conservation area.

Twentieth Century Fox have been allowed to film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, on Phi Phi Island - and remove natural vegetation.

But the activists have filed a petition with the Counter Corruption Commission, claiming the forestry chief who granted permission violated a national law.

Government boost for 'British' films

The UK Government is changing the rules that decide whether a film is 'British' or not - with the aim of attracting film makers to the UK with tax breaks.

Under present rules, 92.5% of a film's running time must be made in the UK and film makers have resorted to stretching credits to juggle that figure.

This means Judge Dredd is British but The English Patient is not. From next month, the new rules will be based on the amount of money spent in the UK.

Redgrave to play shrink in movie drama

British star Vanessa Redgrave is to join US actress Winona Ryder in a new movie drama based on the true story of a writer with psychiatric problems.

Girl Interrupted will star Ryder as Susanna Kaysen, who in the 1960s spent two years in a psychiatric ward because of a borderline personality disorder.