LA writers halt strike for Taylor

Dame Elizabeth Taylor celebrated her 75th birthday in February

Dame Elizabeth Taylor has made her first Los Angeles stage performance in 25 years after persuading striking writers to put down their picket signs.

The Writers Guild of America agreed not to picket Paramount Pictures out of respect for the 75-year-old's benefit appearance for her Aids charity.

The actress performed A R Gurney's play Love Letters with James Earl Jones.

More than 500 people each paid $2,500 (£1,200) to attend the show, which aimed to raise $1 million (£486,000).

The actress had vowed not to cross picket lines for the show on Saturday, which was World Aids Day.

But she asked the writers' union for a "one-night dispensation" so she and her guests could enter the studio with a clear conscience.

'Outspoken supporter'

"The Writers Guild of America has shown great humanity, empathy and courage by allowing our little evening to move forward," Taylor said in a statement.

Patric Verrone, the president of the western chapter of the guild, said it was a "worthy event".

It was "happening solely through the efforts and underwriting of Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who is not only a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild, but an outspoken supporter of the Writers Guild", he added.

Writers have been on strike in the United States since 5 November in a dispute over royalty payments.