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<i> Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press</i>

Warner Bros. this week filed a $10-million lawsuit against Rodney Dangerfield, claiming the comedian breached a contract to reprise obnoxious duffer Al Czervit in a sequel to “Caddyshack,” the popular 1981 golf comedy. The Los Angeles Superior Court suit alleges that Dangerfield and Warners executives “hugged and shook hands” last January over a “binding agreement” guaranteeing Dangerfield at least $7 million, including a $5-million cash advance, to star in a sequel, the suit said. “Caddyshack II” was scheduled for release on Memorial Day, 1988, the suit said. As the production date approached, Dangerfield demanded additional royalties and rights to approve the final cut, the suit alleges. Warners refused, and Dangerfield terminated his agreement with the studio after it had spent $2 million in preproduction on “Caddyshack II,” according to the suit. Warners also wants the court to grant a restraining order barring the entertainer from making any film deals until the dispute is resolved. Neither Dangerfield nor his lawyer could be reached for comment Tuesday.

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