SHORT TAKES : MGM-UA Sues CBS Over Movie That Could Pit Olin Vs. Olin
MGM-UA Television Production Group has sued CBS in an attempt to block the network from broadcasting a movie starring Ken Olin during the premiere week of “thirtysomething,” which stars Olin on ABC.
The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit said CBS knew when it hired Olin to star in “The Charles Stuart Murders” that Olin’s contract with MGM-UA carries an exclusivity restriction.
The restriction bars Olin from making any guest appearances in programs to be broadcast during the season’s premiere week of “thirtysomething”--in which Olin plays Michael Steadman--or opposite any first-run broadcast of an episode of the series, the lawsuit said.
CBS intends to broadcast “The Charles Stuart Murders” Sept. 18 in a time slot opposite the fall 1990 season premiere of “thirtysomething,” the lawsuit said.
In addition, CBS has refused to comply with MGM-UA’s demands that it reschedule its broadcast of the movie, the suit said.
The lawsuit seeks injunctions barring CBS from broadcasting the movie at a time that would violate Olin’s alleged exclusivity agreement.
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