[January 14, 2009]

AP Entertainment NewsBrief at 7:55 p.m. EST

(AP Online Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Ford, Fraser pair for filmLOS ANGELES (AP) _ Indiana Jones and "The Mummy" slayer are teaming up on the big screen _ to battle not ancient, otherworldly baddies, but a big medical dilemma. Brendan Fraser will join Harrison Ford for a medical drama set to begin filming in April, CBS Films announced Wednesday. The untitled movie will be the first production for CBS Films, a feature film division established in 2007.

Ricardo Montalban dies at 88LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday morning at his home, his family said. He was 88. Montalban's death was first announced at a city council meeting by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. He died "from complications of advancing age," his son-in-law, Gilbert Smith, later said.

'Prisoner' actor Patrick McGoohan dies in LALOS ANGELES (AP) _ Patrick McGoohan, the Emmy-winning actor who created and starred in the cult classic television show "The Prisoner," has died. He was 80. McGoohan died Tuesday in Los Angeles after a short illness, his son-in-law, film producer Cleve Landsberg, said.

Run-DMC, Metallica lead list of 2009 Rock HallNEW YORK (AP) _ Run-DMC once hailed themselves as the Kings of Rock, so it's fitting that the pioneering rappers have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Run-DMC joins the heavy metal band Metallica, guitarist and former Yardbirds member Jeff Beck; soul singer and guitarist Bobby Womack and doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials as this year's inductee class.

Hollywood on the Potomac: Where the stars will beNEW YORK (AP) _ If you thought the Golden Globes was a party, just wait until you see Barack Obama's inauguration. Next week, Washington will look a lot like a colder version of Hollywood. Here's a roundup of who will be where, keeping in mind that in the mad rush to D.C., schedule changes may occur.

Report: Swayze says he's almost over pneumoniaNEW YORK (AP) _ Days after checking himself into a Los Angeles hospital for pneumonia, Patrick Swayze says his condition is improving. The 56-year-old actor, who is battling pancreatic cancer, tells People magazine: "I am alive and plan on continuing to stay that way. ... I am almost in the clear." Swayze says he checked into the hospital Jan. 9 because of a cough that he suspected was the result of an infection.

Indie time: Sundance mixes stars, newcomers, fansPARK CITY, Utah (AP) _ The Sundance Film Festival resumes its duties as a great equalizer of the cinema world. This is where complete unknowns can suddenly find themselves sought-after talent among Hollywood distributors. This is where marquee talent such as Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Chris Rock turn up in thoughtful, non-studio flicks. And it's where eager audiences get to grill stars and filmmakers about the creative process during question-and-answer sessions after screenings.

Inaugural eve concert to honor military familiesWASHINGTON (AP) _ Thousands of military families and children from across the mid-Atlantic region will be honored during a special concert for kids on the eve of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, organizers announced Wednesday. Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers are slated to perform at the Monday night event, along with Demi Lovato and Bow Wow. Usher, Billy Ray Cyrus and Keke Palmer also are scheduled to appear at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington. The concert will be televised on the Disney Channel.

`Idol' draws 30.1 million viewers for season debutNEW YORK (AP) _ An estimated 30.1 million people watched the season debut of "American Idol," making it the most-watched prime-time show of the TV season so far. Nielsen Media Research said that audience on Tuesday night was down 10 percent from the 33.4 million who watched the season opener of the Fox network show in 2008. The 37.4 million who watched the 2007 debut represents the series' high point.

CBS: Deal close for John Mayer music-variety showUNIVERSITY CITY, Calif. (AP) _ CBS is close to a deal with pop star John Mayer for a music and variety TV show. CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler told a meeting of the Television Critics Association that the project is under development and an agreement is near. She didn't provide details.

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