Black hat worn by the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz' is going up for auction
Fans of “The Wizard of Oz” have another opportunity to own more film memorabilia as Heritage Auctions announces another auction. This sale features the black hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. Designed by costumer Gilbert Adrian, the hat will be auctioned on Dec. 9 and 10. Other items include a book signed by Judy Garland with autographs from the main cast and Toto's paw prints. Two versions of Dorothy's slippers will also be available, including a rehearsal shoe worn by Garland. A handwritten letter by author Frank Baum and a blouse worn by Garland are also hitting the auction block.
BBC says Trump has threatened to sue over edited speech that sparked resignations by news bosses
LONDON (AP) — The BBC is reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a letter threatening legal action over the way a speech he made was edited in a documentary aired by the British broadcaster. The BBC’s top executive and its head of news both quit Sunday over accusations of bias and misleading editing. In the documentary, aired before the 2024 election, Trump's January 6, 2021, speech was edited to omit his call for peaceful protest. Trump has threatened legal action, claiming the edits misrepresented his words. BBC chairman Samir Shah apologized for the "error of judgment" and acknowledged the edits gave the impression of inciting violence. The broadcaster, known for its impartiality, is facing criticism from various political sides.
Theater Review: 'The Queen of Versailles' with Kristin Chenoweth gets lost in a Hall of Mirrors
NEW YORK (AP) — The new Broadway show "The Queen of Versailles" feels unfinished, despite reuniting Kristin Chenoweth with "Wicked" songwriter Stephen Schwartz, Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says. Based on a 2012 documentary, it explores socialite Jackie Siegel's attempt to build America's largest private home. The musical, which opened Sunday at the St. James Theatre, struggles to find its tone, wavering between ridicule and admiration. It misses the chance to comment on wealth inequality. Set against the backdrop of Trump's America, the show features extravagant elements but lacks memorable songs. Despite a tryout in Boston, Kennedy says it still feels like a work in progress.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Nov. 16-22 includes Pete Davidson and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Nov. 16-22 include comedian Pete Davidson, movie director Martin Scorsese and jazz singer Diana Krall. Actor Marg Helgenberger from “CSI” turns 67, actor Maggie Gyllenhaal hits 48 and entertainer RuPaul welcomes 65. Other celebrities with big days include actor Lauren Hutton, actor-director Danny DeVito and “Project Runway” winner and designer Christian Siriano. Journalist Ann Curry reaches 69, “The West Wing” actor Actor Allison Janney turns 66 and actor Meg Ryan hits 64. Others celebrating during the week are actor Jodie Foster, country singer Dierks Bentley and singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
Protesters in Nigeria disrupt opening of major West African art museum
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Protesters in Nigeria have disrupted this week’s opening of a major museum of West African art, where local disputes over the world-renowned Benin Bronzes have already kept them from being put on display. Videos circulating online show more than a dozen young people on Sunday evening rushing the grounds of the multi-million-dollar Museum of West African Art in Benin City. The demonstrators asserted that the museum’s opening is a violation of Benin City’s cultural heritage, which falls under the authority of its traditional ruler. Nigeria’s federal government said it was monitoring the situation with “deep concern.”
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What to Stream: 'Freakier Friday,' NF, 'Landman,' 'Palm Royale' and Black Ops 7
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan re-teaming as the body-swapping mother and daughter duo in “Freakier Friday” and albums from 5 Seconds of Summer and the rapper NF are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Nov. 10 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys teaming up for the new limited-series thriller “The Beast in Me,” gamers get Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Apple TV’s star-studded “Palm Royale” is back.
Venice's storied La Fenice opera house protests appointment of musical director with ties to Meloni
VENICE, Italy (AP) — La Fenice opera house in Venice faces a dispute over the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as musical director. Critics argue Venezi lacks experience for such a prestigious role and suggest her ties to Premier Giorgia Meloni influenced her selection. The opera house's general manager, Nicola Colabianchi, defends Venezi, citing her youthful energy and media appeal. Unions are not contesting her age or politics but criticize the lack of consultation with musicians. They demand Colabianchi's resignation and a new selection process. Colabianchi apologizes but stands by his choice, emphasizing Venezi's success and broad repertoire.
'Predator: Badlands' tops box office with $80 million worldwide
NEW YORK (AP) — "Predator: Badlands" has topped the North American box office with a $40 million debut, according to studio estimates. This marks a new high for the franchise, surpassing the $38.3 million opening of 2004’s "Alien vs. Predator." The film, written and directed by Dan Trachtenberg, also earned $40 million overseas. Despite a challenging box office climate, "Predator: Badlands" has performed well, receiving positive reviews and an “A-” CinemaScore. Other new releases, like "Die My Love" and "Christy," struggled to make a significant impact, while "Sarah’s Oil" emerged as the best performer among newcomers.
Mexican art historians weigh in on upcoming Kahlo's auction that could fetch up to $60 million
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Frida Kahlo’s painting “El sueño (La cama)” is expected to fetch between $40 million and $60 million at auction, potentially making it the most expensive work by a female or Latin American artist. Art historians in Mexico weigh in on the high prices of art, which often lead to works being stored away as investments. Sotheby’s will auction the piece on November 20 in New York. The painting, created in 1940, reflects Kahlo’s complex life and relationship with surrealism. In Mexico, Kahlo’s work is protected and cannot be sold or destroyed. However, works from private collections abroad are legally eligible for international sale.
How Gary Sinise is helping the nonprofit CreatiVets build ‘a place to go when the PTSD hits’
NASHVILLE (AP) — The nonprofit CreatiVets is transforming a once-abandoned church in Nashville into a 24-hour arts center for veterans and a community hub. Not only will the new center house the nonprofit's programs, including its songwriting program where veterans work with Nashville songwriters to make music out of their experiences in military service, it will provide a place where veterans can gather any time of day. CreatiVets co-founder Richard Casper, a Purple Heart recipient, says the center will offer creative outlets when PTSD strikes. It's an idea that resonated with actor/philanthropist Gary Sinise, who helped fund the effort through his Gary Sinise Foundation.

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