Bale plays Corelli's Mandolin

American Psycho star Christian Bale is to start work on a movie version of the best-selling novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin, by Louis de Bernieres.

Bale, 26, will play a Greek fisherman in the romantic World War II movie alongside Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz.

It is set during the German occupation of the Greek island of Cephallonia. Cruz plays Bale's girlfriend who falls in love with commander Corelli (Cage).

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Garland biopics planned

Two new projects about the life of tragic Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland are set to go into production.

Annette Bening is top choice to play Garland in Rainbow's End, which Judy's ex-husband Sid Luft will co-produce.

A TV movie called Me and My Shadow, based on a book by Judy's daughter Lorna Luft, will feature Australian actress Judy Davis in the lead role.

Garland, who made her first film aged seven, died from an overdose in 1969.

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Boy band 'N Sync go to the movies

US boy band 'N Sync are turning their talents to the big screen in a new film.

The fivesome are to start work on the film early next year. The title and plot of the movie will be revealed at the Cannes Film Festival.

A spokesman for Total Film Group, who are producing the movie, said: "By turning to film, fans around the world can enjoy their remarkable talents."

Their album, No Strings Attached, sold 2.4m copies on its release in USA.

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Dance prizes could head for Basement

Dance group Basement Jaxx are up for four trophies at the first global dance music awards, the DanceStar 2000.

The awards, an offshoot of the Mobo Awards, will be handed out at London's Alexandra Palace on 1 June.

Basement Jaxx are up for the title of DanceStar of the Year against Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers and ATB.

The band is also up for Best House Act, Best Album and Best Video.

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Casualty track head for chart success

Hospital drama Casualty is set to storm to number one this weekend, toppling current chart topper Fragma Vs Coco according to early sales figures.

The track, Bound 4 Da Reload (Casualty) includes a sample from the show's theme tune by Ken Freeman, first heard when the show began in 1986.

But DJs Oxide & Neutrino have worked on it to add a dancefloor flavour.

Midweek figures show the track is around 3,000 copies ahead of Fragma.